Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have charged two individuals and seized proceeds of crime in connection to a human trafficking investigation in Cambridge.
In March 2023, police began an investigation after receiving a report that a business operating as a spa in the area of Industrial Road and McGovern Drive was offering sexual services.
Through investigation, police determined that the business and its owners were profiting from sexual services offered by the business and that women had been procured for employment providing sexual services.
On April 11, 2024, as a result of an ongoing joint investigation by members of WRPS’ Human Trafficking Team, Intelligence Services Branch, and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, police conducted a search warrant at the business and a residence in Cambridge. Proceeds of crime, including the unit the business was operating out of, the corporate bank account, and a luxury SUV have been seized/restrained.
A 45-year-old Cambridge female has been charged with several criminal offences, including:
- Communication for the purpose of sexual services
- Obtain material benefit from sexual services
- Procurement (two counts)
- Uttering forged documents
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
A 58-year-old Cambridge male was also charged with obtaining material benefit from sexual services.
The accused parties were held in police custody for a bail hearing.
Human Trafficking investigators believe there may be more victims. If you or someone you know feels they have been the victim of sexual exploitation or crimes of sexual violence while working at this business, please contact WRPS’ Human Trafficking Team at [email protected] or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca.
WA23057983 (985)
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
[email protected]
