City police are revealing today their involvement in "Operation Northern Spotlight" which saw 15 people arrested across the province for human trafficking.
See: Police across Ontario, including North Bay, help arrest 15 people for human trafficking
"On October 16 and 17 the North Bay Police Service committed three officers to the initiative who worked in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police and our local North Bay Victim Services Office," said Constable John Shultz. "No exploited, abused or controlled persons were rescued during this initiative; however, there were several people that were offered support and services."
As a result of the initiative, a 42 year old man from the Sudbury area was charged with:
- Obstructing Police,
- Identity Fraud and
- two counts of Breach of Recognizance.
He was held in custody for a bail hearing.
North Bay Police say they will not be releasing names in an effort to protect victims and witnesses of the cases which are before the courts.
Operation Northern Spotlight is a Law Enforcement outreach operation that proactively targets vulnerable people in the human trafficking industry in an effort to identify and rescue potential victims who are being sexually exploited. This initiative to reduce victimization of vulnerable persons takes place every fall across the United States and Canada.
The effort saved seven people who were in exploitative situations, including two under the age of 18, said an OPP news release,
Over a seven-day period, police across Ontario participated in the operation which resulted in 45 charges against 15 people.
