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Nanny a trafficking victim: Cops
Last Updated: July 5, 2010 7:13pm
A Filipina nanny is at the centre of a human trafficking investigation after police busted a popular Richmond Hill massage parlour.
Eleven women were found inside Club De Lotto on East Wilmot St., near Leslie St. and Hwy. 7, after police busted through the doors Friday night. One of them gave a statement against alleged “pimps” who were suppose to be running the show, said vice Det. Thai Truong, of York Regional Police.
The woman arrived in Canada last year to work as a nanny, but soon realized she wasn’t making enough to support her family and child in the Philippines, so she posted an ad on Kijiji offering to clean houses on the weekends, Truong said Monday.
“She gets called by a guy who says basically, ‘Hey, you wanna make money? There’s more money in massage, come meet me,’” Truong said.
The woman didn’t realize sex acts would be involved, Truong said.
After working at that spa, which is still under investigation, she moved on to Club De Lotto “because another girl said that it’s better over there,” Truong said.
Instead, investigators alleged she was forced to have sex with clients who she didn’t want to service. On one occasion, when she refused to meet with a man known to be particularly “aggressive,” she was allegedly grabbed by throat and forced into the room, according to Truong.
A similar assault story was told by a young Canadian woman who worked at the spa between December and April, Truong said.
Truong described a “fine system” in which the women were allegedly forced to fork over extra cash if they were late for work or missed a day of work.
“They were feeding the girls a slice of bread and a can of pop (per day),” Truong said. “One of the girls said if you have a headache, you feel sick, you’re on your period, they give you a Tylenol and tell you to keep working.”
Given the spa has been in business for “at least 10 years,” Truong said he fears there are other women who were potentially victimized. He appealed to them to come forward.
Among the 25 people arrested were three alleged pimps: Zhi Min “Frank” Xin, 46, the only person to be charged with human trafficking; Zi Gang “Gordon” Xin, 54, the alleged manager; and Jihon Siu, 51.
Ten clients were also found inside — one of whom was allegedly caught having sex with one of the women, Truong said.
Anyone with information is asked to call: 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7640.
tamara.cherry@sunmedia.ca
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