Police forces across Ontario, including North Bay and West Nipissing, worked together to save six sex trade workers, including two under the age of 16, during "Operation Spotlight."
In addition, 12 people were charged with 21 offences as part of a coordinated, national effort to end human trafficking.
Over a seven-day period, 46 police services across Ontario combined to meet with women suspected of being in exploitive situations. The women are provided contacts and information for community-based support agencies and are offered both immediate and future police assistance to leave the exploitation. The program is not intended to engage those who are not being exploited.
A total of 331 police officers, support staff and victim services engaged 198 people, as part of the joint effort coordinated by the OPP. It was part of an international operation led by the FBI, RCMP, and involved police services from Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia and the United Kingdom.
Charges include:
- Advertise Another Person's Sexual Services,
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime,
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services,
- Keeping a Common Bawdy House,
- Procuring Material Benefit,
- Trafficking in Persons,
- Prohibited Weapon,
- Procuring a Person Under 18 Years of Age and
- Receive a Material Benefit Under 18 Years of Age.
"Human trafficking is a deplorable crime that threatens the safety, livelihood and dignity of those who are being exploited and abused," said Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum. "This is a complex issue that affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society and does not recognize jurisdictional boundaries. It is our duty to act decisively and effectively to recognize and protect these people from exploitation and it is imperative that we have a concentrated effort amongst all our partners to be effective."
Other northern Ontario police services involved included:
- North Bay Police Service
- West Nipissing Police Service
- Greater Sudbury Police Service,
- Barrie Police Service
- Ste. Marie Police Service
- Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service
- Thunder Bay Police Service,
"Operation Northern Spotlight is possible because of the multiple police organizations and victim service agencies working in partnership to stop human trafficking," said Inspector Tina Chalk. "Our effort to assist people who are being exploited is our ongoing commitment."
No names were released by police.
