Woodstock Police Help Out With Operation Northern Spotlight

Wednesday, 24 October 2018 at 13:20

Seven potential victims of human trafficking have been saved thanks to the work of officers from 45 different detachments in Ontario.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock Police are one of 45 services taking part in Operation Northern Spotlight, a coordinated, national effort to end human trafficking.

Recently officers were able to arrest 15 people on 45 charges related to human trafficking. They also saved seven potential victims.

Of the seven victims identified:

- Two were recovered by Peel Regional Police Service
- One was recovered by Waterloo Regional Police Service
- Three were recovered by Ottawa Police Service
- One was recovered by Niagara Regional Police Service

During Operation Northern Spotlight, police meet with individuals suspected of being in exploitative situations. They 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.

Charges include:

- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration,
- Failure to Comply with Condition of Undertaking or Recognizance,
- Forcible Confinement,
- Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit -
- Trafficking, Material Benefit from Sexual Services,
- Procuring,
- Assault with a Weapon,
- Aggravated Assault,
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm,
- Assault,
- Pointing a Firearm,
- Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose,
- Criminal Harassment,
- Uttering Threats,
- Failing to report contrary to Christopher's Law (Sex offender Registry),
- Fail to Comply with SOIRA Order,
- Identity Fraud,
- Obstruct a Public Officer or Peace Officer,
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime,

Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum with the OPP Investigations and Organized Crime unit says human trafficking is an especially heinous crime.

"Human trafficking is a deplorable crime that threatens the safety, livelihood and dignity of those who are being exploited and abused. 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 recognize and protect these people from exploitation and it is imperative that we have a concentrated effort among all our partners to be effective."

Inspector Tina Chalk with the Counter Exploitation and Missing Persons Section, Ontario Provincial Police says human trafficking is not something that only happens in big cities.

"Victims of exploitation and human trafficking continue to include our neighbours, our friends and our children. The goal of Operation Northern Spotlight is to assist those who are exploited. Human trafficking is real in Ontario."