Winnipeg Police Service have arrested a 24-year-old Calgary man following an investigation into human trafficking.
On March 21, 2024, Sûreté du Québec (Québec Police Service) contacted Winnipeg Police to check on a woman in the 300 block of Hargrave Street who may be the victim of human trafficking.
Officers located an 18-year-old female and a 24-year-old male in a short-term vacation rental. The man was arrested without incident. Officers learned through their investigation that the woman met the suspect in a Montreal bar in January and was manipulated to believe she was in a romantic relationship with the male.
Police say that during March the victim was taken to four cities in Ontario and ending up in Winnipeg. During that time the victim was not allowed to leave the hotel rooms or vacation rentals in each city. The suspect took the victim’s phone and identification. The victim was physically assaulted on several occasions to prevent her from leaving.
Officers learned that the victim was forced to work as an escort selling sexual services.
On March 21, 2024, the victim was able to contact a friend in Québec. The friend contacted Québec police that contacted Winnipeg Police and an investigation was initiated.
Malik Regele Marc has been charged for his alleged involvement with:
- Trafficking in Persons
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Procuring Person to Provide Sexual Services
- Advertising Sexual Services
- Forcible Confinement
- Assault
The suspect was detained in custody.
The victim was sent home with the help of the Québec Police Service and cummunity partners in Winnipeg.
© 2024 News4.ca
