The North Bay Police Service says a city businessman is facing human trafficking charges.
Officials say an eight-month investigation culminated with an arrest last Wednesday.
Ten charges have been laid including human trafficking, laundering proceeds of crime, extortion, withholding documents and more.
Police say the investigation started last October 2024 after receiving reports involving unpaid wages, the sale of immigration documents, and coercion of foreign nationals into paying for being added on the payroll.
They say three businesses were searched on May 28 with the support of the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) and the Ministry of Labour.
Police say the accused was released on house arrest, with a publication ban issued.
The service says if you or someone you know has experienced any of the following, you may be a victim of a crime:
- Forced or convinced to work for little or no pay
- Paid a wage less than what was promised
- Required to return pay cheques to an employer
- Paid to be added to a payroll
- Paid for documents needed for visa or residency applications
Please reach out for help. Contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010, call 9-1-1, or contact your local police service.
