Police make 32 arrests in Winnipeg human trafficking prevention blitz

A Winnipeg Police Service shoulder patch is seen in Winnipeg, Sept. 2, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

Nearly three dozen men were arrested during a four-day blitz aimed at putting a stop to sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Winnipeg.

From Nov. 12 to 15, the Winnipeg police’s counter-exploitation unit teamed up with the RCMP’s human trafficking unit and the Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre for a joint investigation to prevent street-level and online exploitation.

During this operation, police arrested 32 men aged 18 to 75 at multiple locations across the city. These men face charges of obtaining sexual services for consideration or communication in any place for that purpose and were released on undertakings to appear in court at a later time.

Officers also seized 15 vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act, which allows for the impoundment of cars used in prostitution-related offences.

As part of the investigation, police made contact with 25 people working in the sex trade industry, offering them resources and ensuring their safety.

Anyone with exploitation concerns in their community is asked to contact Winnipeg police at 204-986-3464, RCMP at 431-335-5685 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.