Toronto RCMP officer charged with human trafficking, animal cruelty in York Region
Posted May 10, 2022 11:27 am.
Last Updated May 10, 2022 4:03 pm.
York Regional Police have arrested and charged a Toronto Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) constable accused of human trafficking and animal cruelty following an investigation into forced labour.
Police began an investigation in April of this year after a victim filed a police report alleging they arranged to come to Canada from Mexico to work under false pretenses.
The victim told police they arrived in Georgina, Ont., and were put to work caring for animals “under very poor working conditions.” The victim alleges the type of employment was not consistent with their work agreement.
Provincial Animal Welfare Services were called in to investigate the condition of the animals on the property.
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Police arrested 44-year-old Israel Yahsif Mane Monter of Georgina on May 3, 2022. He has been charged with human trafficking, forgery of documents, cruelty of animals, and three counts possession of prohibited devices under the criminal code.
Monter is a member of the RCMP’s Toronto North Transnational Organized Crime Unit. The RCMP say they are aware of the arrest and are cooperating with the police investigation.
“These allegations are serious and difficult to comprehend,” reads a statement from the RCMP. “As a police service, we work diligently to investigate instances of human trafficking and bring the offenders to justice.”
Monter has been suspended with pay and an internal investigation into his conduct is ongoing.
Investigators say there may be additional victims from Mexico who were brought to Canada under similar false pretenses.
“Labour trafficking often occurs in situations where a victim comes to Canada with the promise of a well-paying job, education or other opportunities,” says York Regional Police in a statement. “In many cases the victims are vulnerable. They often do not speak English and do not know their rights in Canada or how to get help.”
Anyone with further information is being asked to contact police.
