The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested two Oakville men after a labour trafficking investigation.
In March, police received a report that three Mexican men employed at August 8 Sushi Restaurant, located at 280 North Service Road West in Oakville, were being exploited through deception and coercion in connection with their work.
Investigators carried out search warrants at August 8 Sushi Restaurant and at two residences in Oakville. Inside the homes, individuals were found living in cramped, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions. The victims were subjected to control that left them feeling powerless and dependent, with violations extending to their sexual integrity. Several items were seized during the execution of these warrants and additional victims came forward to police.
As a result of the investigation, on Wednesday, June 11th, August 8 franchise owner 46-year-old Rong Xi Yu of Oakville was arrested and charged with the following:
- Trafficking in Persons (3 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit (3 Counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000
- Unauthorized Employment of Foreign National – Immigration Refugee Protection Act (6 Counts)
Also on Wednesday, June 11th, August 8 head chef 27-year-old Wenjun Li of Oakville was arrested and charged with the following:
- Trafficking in Persons (3 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit (3 Counts)
- Withhold or Destroy Identity Documents (3 Counts)
- Sexual Assault (3 Counts)
- Unauthorized Employment of Foreign National – Immigration Refugee Protection Act (6 Counts)
Both Rong Xi Yu and Wenjun Li have been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Police believe there may be additional victims and are requesting anyone who may have information to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
