Montreal men arrested in human trafficking case

Two men from Montreal have been arrested after police located a missing woman at a hotel in Guelph.

Earlier this month, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report that a woman from Eastern Ontario was missing. Their Anti-Human Trafficking Unit found that she was being advertised online for sexual services.

Working together, the OPP and the Guelph Police Human Trafficking Unit tracked the woman to a Guelph hotel. Officers saw her enter the hotel with two men.

On Saturday, November 15, police approached a vehicle near the hotel and spoke with two men inside. One man gave a false name. Police linked both men to the online sexual service ads that included a photo of the victim.

A 30-year-old and a 27-year-old man from Montreal are now charged with receiving a material benefit from sexual services and obtaining sexual services for consideration. The 30-year-old is also charged with obstructing police. Both were held for bail court Thursday.

About human trafficking

Human trafficking happens when people are controlled, tricked, or forced by others for profit. It can include forced labour or sexual exploitation. Sex trafficking involves using force, fraud, or coercion to make someone take part in commercial sex acts.

If you need help

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, support is available:

• Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Center, Guelph General hospital - 519-837-6440 42728 ext. 42728 (business hours), ext. 2210 (after hours)
• Guelph Police Service - 519-824-1212
• Victim Services Wellington Guelph - 519-824-1212 ext. 7304
• Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis - 519-836-1110 (business hours), 519-836-5710 (crisis line or shelter or 1800-265-7233 (24/7 crisis line and shelter)