Man arrested in human trafficking investigation

Earlier this month, the Guelph Police Service launched a human trafficking investigation into a Guelph man suspected of being involved in trafficking, pimping, obtaining material benefits and assault sexuality of young women.

A 37-year-old Guelph man was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, sexual assault, assault, pimping, human trafficking, uttering threats to cause death and having derived material benefit from human trafficking.

He remains in custody and is scheduled for a bail hearing on June 7.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Chris Cheung at 519-824-1212, ext. 20. 7435, email him at [email protected], leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

Human trafficking occurs when people are coerced, deceived, detained or moved by individuals in order to make money. Human trafficking can take many forms, including forced labor and sexual exploitation. Sex trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you can contact these local resources and receive specialized support:

• Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Center, Guelph General Hospital – 519-837-6440, ext. 210. 2728 (hours) or ext. 10:10 p.m. (after opening hours)
• Guelph Police Service – 519-824-1212
• Victim Services Guelph Wellington – 519-824-1212, ext. 210. 7304
• Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis – 519-836-1110 (hours), 519-836-5710 (crisis line or shelter or 1-800-265-7233 (crisis line and shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days out of 7)