The London Police Service has rescued an 18-year-old victim from human trafficking.
On Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 9:02 a.m., police were called to a Dundas Street Hotel in relation to an assault. Staff reported being advised by a female that she was assaulted by a man.
The investigation revealed that the 18-year-old female was being trafficked as a prostitute. In the summer of this year, she responded to online interaction with a man who provided her with an offer to make money in the sex trade. As time progressed, the male permitted her to keep less and less of her money until the he kept 100% of her earnings.
She was trafficked in hotels or motels in Thunder Bay, Mississauga, Burlington, and London.
On November 15, 2014, the suspect assaulted the victim and stole her money before leaving the hotel room. She reported the assault to staff from the hotel, which prompted the call to police.
With the assistance of the Peel Regional Police Service, the suspect was arrested in Mississauga, Ontario on November 15. Officers from the London Police Service transported the man to London.
As a result of the investigation, Anthony Greenham (28) of Mississauga, has been charged with the following Criminal Code of Canada offences:
– Trafficking in persons, contrary to section 279.01(1);
– Receiving financial benefit from trafficking in person, contrary to section 279.02;
– Procuring illicit sexual intercourse, contrary to section 212(1)(a);
– Procuring person to be a prostitute, contrary to section 212(1)(d);
– Exercise control of a person for the purpose of prostitution, contrary to section 212(1)(h);
– Assault, contrary to section 266; and
– Theft under $5,000, contrary to section 334(b).
The London Police Service is encouraging anyone in a similar situation to reach out to the local police service for assistance.
Any person with information on these or any other crimes is asked to call the London Police Service at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.londoncrimestoppers.com.