Human trafficking charges after RCMP probe into Saskatchewan trucking company

Two Saskatchewan residents face human trafficking charges following an RCMP investigation into a trucking company in the RM of Edenwold, police say.

Two arrested after labour trafficking investigation at RM of Edenwold trucking firm

A police investigation into a Saskatchewan trucking company has resulted in human trafficking charges against two people, Global News Crime reports.

The White Butte RCMP launched the case last November after receiving a tip about an "occurrence at a local trucking business" in a rural municipality roughly 45 kilometres north of Regina.

Workers at the trucking company in the RM of Edenwold were allegedly forced to pay a "large sum of cash" in exchange for employment — a payment tied to promises of helping them obtain permanent residency in Canada, police said. Employees were also subject to withheld wages, required to work long hours without additional pay, and compelled to drive with unsafe loads.

"Labour trafficking, which is a form of human trafficking, is a hidden crime that exploits vulnerable individuals for financial gain," said Const. Sarah Fever, the lead investigator with the White Butte RCMP.

A 36-year-old from the RM of Edenwold and a 50-year-old from Regina were each charged with one count of human trafficking, one count of receiving a benefit of human trafficking, and one count of withholding or destroying documents.

Both accused made their first court appearance last Thursday and are scheduled to appear before Saskatchewan Provincial Court in Regina on July 2.

The RCMP said investigators believe there are additional victims in the case.

Source: Global News Crime