Community News

RCMP OFFICER CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING, CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

POLICE BELIEVE THERE MAY BE OTHER VICTIMS OF ALLEGED FORCED LABOUR SCAM BRINGING VICTIMS FROM MEXICO TO CANADA

HEIDI RIEDNER hriedner@yrmg.com

A Georgina man who is also an RCMP officer has been charged with human trafficking and other offences after an investigation by York Regional Police into forced labour.

The investigation began in April after a victim came forward to police and filed a report.

Officers learned the victim was living in Mexico when he arranged to come to Canada for an employment opportunity.

Police allege he was made to work caring for animals under very poor working conditions that were not consistent with the agreement at a residence on Bayview Avenue in Keswick.

Provincial animal welfare services were contacted and investigated the care and well-being of the animals in question.

Following the investigation, the accused was arrested May 3.

Israel Yahsif Mane Monter, 44, of Georgina, is charged with trafficking in persons, forgery (making false documents), cruelty to animals and possession of a prohibited device.

In a statement, RCMP said it is aware of the arrest of Monter, who is a constable and a member of the force's Toronto North Transnational Organized Crime unit.

It said the RCMP is cooperating with the YRP investigation.

Monter has been suspended with pay, his duty status will be continually assessed and an RCMP internal code of conduct investigation remains active and on-going.

"These allegations are serious and difficult to comprehend," an RCMP spokesperson said. "As a police service, we work diligently to investigate instances of human trafficking and bring the offenders to justice, and we share this commitment with our law enforcement partners. Canadians and our law enforcement partners can trust that our priority continues to be the integrity of the investigations and the safety and security of the public we serve."

York police investigators believe there may be additional victims who have been brought to Canada from Mexico under false pretenses and ask for those victims to come forward.

"Any victims who are hesitant to come forward due to immigration status concerns should be aware that they have the right to support and protection under Canadian law," Const. Laura Nicolle said.

"Labour trafficking often occurs in situations where a victim comes to Canada with the promise of a well-paying job, education or other opportunities. Traffickers often use violence, threats, lies or other forms of coercion to force victims to work excessively long hours, under unsafe and poor conditions for little or no money, often against their will. In many cases the victims are vulnerable. They often do not speak English and do not know their rights in Canada or how to get help."

The Canadian Human Trafficking hotline is a confidential, multilingual, 24/7 service that connects human trafficking victims and survivors with emergency, transition, and long-term supports, as well as receiving tips from the public.

The number is 1-833900-1010 or you can visit www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/

Anyone with information or anyone who may have been a victim is asked to contact the York Regional Police Human Trafficking Section at 1-866876-5423, ext. 6800, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS, or by leaving an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

CRIME

en-ca

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281595244139445

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