The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit has charged two men with Human Trafficking offences as part of Operation Homeward.
On June 9, 2022, the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit received information via their Tip Line, that a woman was being trafficking by a Yarmouth man. With this information, an investigation was started and named Operation Homeward.
During the course of the operation, investigators determined that the man was involved with trafficking numerous victims, for both sex and labour. Investigators also gathered information and evidence that a second Yarmouth man was also involved. Support is being provided to the victims and their families.
The first man has been charged with thirty-three offences including:
- Human Trafficking (5 counts);
- Receiving a Financial Benefit from Human Trafficking (5 counts);
- Procuring (3 counts);
- Material Benefits from Sexual Services (3 counts);
- Trafficking Cocaine (3 counts);
- Trafficking Hydromorphone (2 counts);
- Sexual Assault (2 counts);
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm;
- Assault (3 counts);
- Uttering Threats (2 counts);
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration;
- Advertising Sexual Services;
- Failure to Comply with Conditions of a Release Order (2 counts)
The man, who was already in custody on unrelated charges, appeared in Shelburne Provincial Court on August 4 where he was remanded into custody. He will next appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court on September 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
The second man was arrested on August 3 and has been charged with six offences including:
- Human Trafficking;
- Sexual Assault;
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration (2 counts);
- Uttering Threats;
- Intimidation of a Justice Participant
The man appeared in Shelburne Provincial Court on August 4 and was remanded into custody. He will next appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court on August 8, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
Operation Homeward is ongoing.
The identities of the men are not being released by the RCMP at this time out of respect for the privacy of the victims and the publication ban that has been put in place by the courts.
If you are being, or have been, trafficked, or believe someone you know is being trafficked, the RCMP has a support line you can call or text. It is monitored 24 hours a day by a police officer: 902-449-2425. The callers can choose to leave their information anonymously. Anonymous calls can also be made by contacting Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 Tips app.
Source: Release