A January 2021, traffic stop on the Perimeter Highway for an erratic driver turned into a Human Trafficking investigation involving several police agencies in other provinces.
During the initial traffic stop the officer involved noted that it appeared the driver and passenger had been involved in a physical altercation between themselves. The driver was arrested at the time but provided police with a false name. Once his identity became known officers learned he was wanted on a number of warrants in Quebec and Ontario.
The vehicle was searched and multiple weapons were located including a taser. The driver was charged for his alleged involvement with multiple weapons offences, Identity fraud, obstruct a Peace Officer and various Highway Traffic Act offences.
RCMP Major Crime Services began an investigation after the officer involved in the traffic stop suspected the driver and passenger were not the couple they appeared to be.
On June 21, 2022, RCMP re-arrested Jean Francois D’Asti-Brideau and charged him for his alleged involvement with Human Trafficking after the investigation determined the female passenger in the vehicle was a victim being transported from Quebec.
“Human trafficking is the recruitment, harbouring, and/or transporting of victims,” said Sgt. Morgan Page of Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services. “This is the type of crime that is not always easy to see. In this instance, an RCMP officer with our Central Traffic Services unit was aware of what to look for and saw signs that this couple were not what they appeared to be and called us in. This was a great heads up move by that officer, and we were able to liaise with police agencies in other provinces to further this investigation.”
D’Asti-Brideau was arrested in Kamloops, British Columbia and faces charges of Trafficking in Persons, Possession of Material Benefitting from Sexual Services, and Procuring to Provide Sexual Services, for his alleged involvement.
Police continue to investigate
© News4.ca 2022
