Man charged with human trafficking drove victim to Winnipeg from Montreal, police say

A 23-year-old man is in a Winnipeg jail on human trafficking charges after police allege he held a woman against her will and forced her to work as an escort at various Winnipeg hotels.

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"She had been driven to Winnipeg from Montreal on Dec. 4 ... for this sole purpose," police wrote in a news release, adding she was threatened if she failed to comply.

On Friday evening, city police were called to check on the well-being of a 23-year-old woman at a downtown hotel. She and the male suspect are both from Quebec.

Winnipeg police Const. Jason Michalyshen said police made the arrest after hearing from the woman's family, who were concerned about her.

Winnipeg a 'hub' for exploitation

He said the suspect allegedly assaulted the woman with a weapon while he was in control of her.

"We were just thankful that we were able to respond quickly," Michalyshen said.

A 19-year-old woman was also found with the 23-year-old woman and the man. She claimed to be his girlfriend.

The man is charged with trafficking in persons, advertising sexual services and assault with a weapon.

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Alaya McIvor is a survivor of sex trafficking and now works with victims at Sage House, a street women's health and outreach centre.

She was trafficked seven years ago across Canada and said the crime continues regularly in Winnipeg.

"It's a hub here," she said, adding trafficking happens in all parts of the city.

McIvor said traffickers often start grooming their victims by offering love and gifts.

'It's not a date'

She said it's usually not long before the victim is forced to work, often from hotel to hotel across the country. McIvor said victims are listed online as escorts but insists they are being exploited.

"When you're an escort it's just a name that they try and classify themselves as it's exploitation all around," she said.

"It's not a date."

McIvor said once pimps have groomed their victims, the threats begin and it can be hard to escape.

"The majority of the time they use their kids or the family [threatening] that they're going to murder them."

McIvor said victims of sex trafficking can call the Manitoba sex trafficking hotline to get help.

The number is 1-844-333-2211.