Oakville restaurant owner, head chef charged in human trafficking investigation
Halton police say victims from Mexico were left feeling 'powerless and dependent'
Two Oakville, Ont., men are facing human trafficking charges for allegedly exploiting three Mexican men who worked at their sushi restaurant, Halton police said Tuesday.
Police said they launched an investigation in March after being tipped off that three workers were being exploited at August 8 — a franchise sushi restaurant — in Oakville.
Warrants were carried out at the restaurant and two Oakville homes, police said.
At the homes, "individuals were found living in cramped, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions," police said in a news release.
"The victims were subjected to control that left them feeling powerless and dependent, with violations extending to their sexual integrity," police allege.
Investigators said more victims came forward following the searches.
A 46-year-old Oakville man who police said owns the August 8 franchise in the town faces a slew of charges, including but not limited to: three counts of trafficking in persons, possession of the property of crime over $5,000, and unauthorized employment of foreign nationals.
The restaurant's 27-year-old head chef also faces human trafficking charges and is additionally charged with three counts of sexual assault.
Both men were arrested last week and are being held in custody pending a bail hearing at the Milton courthouse.
Const. Jeff Dillon, a spokesperson for Halton police, said he couldn't release details about where the victims are now but said several community groups are supporting them.
"It can be a very traumatic circumstance," he said, speaking generally about those swept up in labour trafficking cases, where workers can see their pay or passports withheld, putting them in a bind.
Dillon said he couldn't provide more specifics about this case because it will soon go before the courts.
Dillon said the human trafficking unit is still investigating, and asked anyone with more information to contact them.
The service said in a news release it's possible there are more victims.
CBC is seeking comment from August 8 for this story.