Police in Halton Region have announced that charges have been filed against the operators of a sushi restaurant in Oakville, Ontario, after looking into labor trafficking issues.
The investigation revealed that Mexican nationals were placed under control that made them feel helpless and dependent, with serious violations related to their personal safety.
Warrants executed in Oakville showed that the workers were compelled to live in tight, overcrowded, and unhealthy conditions.
The inquiry started after a report was received in March about three men from Mexico working at August 8 Sushi Restaurant (280 North Service Road West in Oakville), who were being exploited through deceit and pressure regarding their employment.
Investigators conducted search warrants at both the restaurant and two homes in Oakville. During these operations, several items were confiscated, and more victims came forward to speak with police.
As a result of this investigation, on June 11, restaurant franchise owner Rong Xi Yu (46), from Oakville, was arrested and charged with the following:
Three counts of trafficking in persons Three counts of receiving material benefits Possession of property obtained by crime – over $5000 Six counts of unauthorized employment of a foreign national – Immigration Refugee Protection Act
The head chef at August 8, Wenjun Li (27), also from Oakville, was arrested and charged with:
Three counts of trafficking in persons Three counts of receiving material benefits Three counts of withholding or destroying identity documents Three counts of sexual assault Six counts of unauthorized employment of a foreign national – Immigration Refugee Protection Act
Both Rong Xi Yu and Wenjun Li are currently held in custody awaiting a bail hearing in Milton.
Authorities believe there may be more victims involved and urge anyone with information to reach out to Detective Scott Heyerman from the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.
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Three counts of trafficking in persons Three counts of receiving material benefits Possession of property obtained by crime – over $5000 Six counts of unauthorized employment of a foreign national – Immigration Refugee Protection Act
The head chef at August 8, Wenjun Li (27), also from Oakville, was arrested and charged with:
Three counts of trafficking in persons Three counts of receiving material benefits Three counts of withholding or destroying identity documents Three counts of sexual assault Six counts of unauthorized employment of a foreign national – Immigration Refugee Protection Act
Both Rong Xi Yu and Wenjun Li are currently held in custody awaiting a bail hearing in Milton.
Authorities believe there may be more victims involved and urge anyone with information to reach out to Detective Scott Heyerman from the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.
Last 30 Days: 78,294 Votes
All Time: 1,174,382 Votes
4448 VOTES
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