08/05/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/05/2022 07:33
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:
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:
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.caor by using the P3 Tips app.
File #: 2022-770703
Note: The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit is comprised of members of the Nova Scotia RCMP and Halifax Regional Police.