Police in human trafficking investigation execute search warrants at Cambridge spa and home

Police in Waterloo region say they've executed two search warrants, at a Cambridge home and a business, on Thursday morning in connection with a human trafficking investigation.

Det. Sgt. Jason Bonikowski of the Waterloo Regional Police Service's human trafficking unit said a 58-year-old man and 45-year-old woman from Cambridge were arrested and face numerous charges.

Bonikowski said the investigation into Ambition Spa in Hespeler began in March 2023 after a member of the public came forward and provided information to police.

He said the man and the woman are believed to be the owners of the spa and it has been operating for approximately 14 years.

"It is our belief that there has been elements of human trafficking occurring while the business has been open," Bonikiowski said. "However, this specific investigation, the timeline is from last March to present day."

Through the investigation, police say it was determined the owners were profiting from sexual services offered by the business and "women had been procured for employment providing sexual services."

Bonikowski said none of the staff are facing criminal charges and have been offered support services.

He added police have been working with one victim and believe there may be others who have experienced sexual violence while working at the spa.

"We encourage any other people who feel they have been victims of crimes over the last number of years to get a hold of us."