Sex Trafficking2004
Canada CA
On Tuesday, March 2, 2004, York Regional Police responded to a break and enter in progress at a residence on Weldrick Road West, in the Town of Richmond Hill. What they found upon their arrival, however, had little to do with a break-in. At approximately 12:30 p.m., investigating officers found a woman inside the home, who revealed she and two other females were being held against their will. The three had arrived separately from Russia in the fall of 2003 and began working for Toronto escort services. They would meet numerous clients in various hotels throughout the GTA and provide sexual services. During the month of February, two of the victims, aged 19 and 23, attended a hotel on separate occasions, for what they assumed was a regular meeting with a client. However, upon their arrival, the victims were forcibly removed from the hotel and taken to a residence in Richmond Hill. The third 20-year-old victim was removed from the home she shared with the 19-year-old victim. Their documents and cell phones were taken from them and although they were allowed a certain level of freedom, they were threatened and told their families in Russia were at risk. The victims were driven to and from the Arther’s Spa on Finch Avenue on a daily basis, forced to provide sexual services and turn over their earnings to the owners.
CSEC2009
Canada CA
YES! The 21 year old Haitian victim from Montreal, who had recently emigrated to Canada 8 months ago, was “romantically involved” with her perpetrator for two months before she moved to Toronto into an apartment he had set up for her. They went out for a date after dropping off her 3 year old child with a babysitter he had previously designated (she gave her daughter over to him and he dropped the child off). After dinner, it was at that point that he told her she was going to be a prostitute for him, and if she tried to call the police or try to leave, she wouldn’t see her daughter ever again. After being forced to have sex with up to four men everyday in the apartment for several weeks, the victim attacked her “pimp” one day and in turn was severely beaten by him. He fled after beating her up and she called 911. He was arrested on April 28th, 2009 by the Peel Regional Police and is facing up to 10 charges, including living off the avails of prostitution, procuring illicit sex, assault, forcible confinement, and death threats. He hasn’t however been charged with trafficking which has trafficking experts outraged. The victim has since been freed, yet there are no reports on any counselling, rehabilitation, or care for the victim. The child as of April 30th, 2009 was found and was with Children’s Aid Society.
Sex Trafficking2011
Canada CA
January 9, 2012, Mr. REID pleaded guilty to Human Trafficking, Possession of a Loaded Firearm and Possession of Firearm While Prohibited. January 13, 2012, Jason REID, appeared before The Honourable Justice Richard Blouin at the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket and was sentenced to four years in prison, in addition to the 107 days of pre-trial custody he has already served. He has also been issued a lifetime weapons prohibition and been ordered to provide a mandatory DNA sample.