RCMP in B.C.
Border Integrity
2010-10-13 14:08 PDT A two-year investigation by the RCMP’s Federal Border Integrity Program has uncovered a sad example of the abuse and exploitation of women.
Jian Feng “Michael” Li is appearing in Vancouver Provincial Court today, October 13, 2010, to face one count of living off the avails of prostitution and four counts of keeping a common bawdy house. Li, a 47-year-old Burnaby man, is accused of sponsoring women from Hong Kong who were forced to work in the sex trade when they came to Canada. Li was using Craigslist to advertise four brothels that he was running in Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Richmond, and Federal Border Integrity investigators believe Li was making up to 40,000 dollars a week with the women under his control.
Like many Human Trafficking investigations, this one was complicated by language barriers, the reluctance of some victims and witnesses to testify, and the fact that the victims often do not stay in
Canada. These complications made Human Trafficking charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act difficult, but federal BIP investigators believe they have gathered solid evidence under the Criminal Code.With the help of its partners, the Federal RCMP is doing everything within the law to stop the exploitation and control of victims who are forced into a life of virtual slavery. Fluid cooperation with local RCMP detachments, and the Vancouver Police, was a key factor in resolving this case. The Office to Combat the Trafficking in Persons (OCTIP) provided invaluable assistance to make sure the victims were treated with respect and understood they were not criminals. Immediate access to housing, health care and other services was arranged.
Human Trafficking is generating huge profits for criminal organizations. If you see people in your community who can’t speak English or French, who always have someone speaking for them, who are getting moved frequently, or who appear unfamiliar with their surroundings despite being there for an extended period, then you could be dealing with victims of Human Trafficking.
If you notice any of the above signs of Human Trafficking, do your part by calling your local police detachment.
MEDIA: High resolution video is available for download at www.sendtonews.com
Released by
Cst. Michael McLaughlin
Media Relations Officer
Federal Programs, E Division
14928 56th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3S 2N5
Office: 778-571-7333
Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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