RCMP charge men in alleged human trafficking operation forcing woman to work

SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. – Saskatchewan RCMP have charged two men in an alleged human trafficking operation involving forced labour.

Mounties say investigators learned of a woman forced to work long hours, seven days a week at various restaurants across the province.

RCMP say when the woman wasn’t working, she was allegedly forced to stay in an unfinished concrete basement that was dimly lit and heavily water damaged.

Mounties say the woman was staying in Canada on a visitor’s permit and had been given a working permit after applying for a restaurant job online.

Police allege her employers threatened they would take her permit away or call police if she did not comply with the demanding work schedule.

Police have charged Mohammad Masum of Tisdale and Sohel Haider of Elrose each with one count of trafficking a person.

Masum also faces three counts of sexual assault.

The men are scheduled to appear in Rosetown Provincial Court on July 13.

RCMP say there may be more people affected and the investigation continues.

The woman has been provided with supports, including protections under the province’s Human Trafficking Act.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2023.