Three Londoners face human trafficking charges involving migrant workers

A year long investigation by the London Police Service has resulted in human trafficking charges against two men and a woman. Police allege seven victims were living in deplorable conditions after surrendering their passports to a person posing as an immigration lawyer.  

"The workers were housed at various residences across the city, with up to 12 people staying in one of the homes at any given time," said Const. Peter Keane. "Working conditions were okay, but one of the homes was without electricity and water for a period of time so I think they were being exploited for their work and not being adequately compensated for that work."

The investigation covers a period between July 2015 and March 2017 when police allege the accused set up a company called "Bethesda Agricultural Enterprises Inc.". The business promoted itself as a recruitment agency that would match migrant workers with local employers.  

However, once the workers surrendered their passports they were basically in the control of the accused, according to police. Investigators allege the victims were threatened with deportation if they did not fully cooperate with house rules.

Police worked in cooperation with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Ontario Provincial Police and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada during the year long probe. 

Seven workers from Guatemala have been identified. Police believe there could be more victims. Officers are asking anyone with information about this case to come forward. 

"Some of the passports have been recovered," said Keane. "All of the victims are still in Canada and London police are still in contact with them through their (legitimate) immigration lawyers."

The three accused have been released from custody. They are due in court in London February 3, 2020.

"Offences such as theone alleged are of great concern to us, given that they involve the victimization of vulnerable individuals," said police.