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Police vow to target human trafficking crime continued from p. 1 Trafficking and Vice Unit Det. Const. Martin Dick speak about how human trafficking is a multibillion dollar industry and one of the largest criminal enterprises in the world -- second only to the illegal drug trade. He explained human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation and harbouring of people for the purpose of exploitation -- typically through work in the sex trade. Dick said that since January, the new Halton police unit, set up in 2013, has charged five people with human trafficking. Police also assisted two females aged 15 and 18. "These people are predators of opportunity," said Dick. "You have to remember they target some of the most vulnerable members in our society and for me, the crime of human trafficking has got to be the most incomprehensible crime that is out there." He said there are a number of ways a trafficker or pimp can gain control over the women they exploit. It can take the form of threats and violence, to coercion and manipulation. Some suspects play, what Dick called, the `boyfriend card,' where they build a relationship with the victim, who is then manipulated to keep the relationship going. He said some victims are brought to Canada illegally from countries around the world, but others are from Canada. In many cases, victims are told they cannot leave until they pay their pimp a certain amount of money, which they have no hope of doing as the trafficker takes nearly everything they earn. Since the new police unit was created, Dick said he has been working with hotel personnel in the region to teach signs of human trafficking. "We've found the pimp or the trafficker will do most of the talking for the victim and the victim will always be looking for reassurance from the trafficker," said Dick. "The victim can't access identity or travel documents. One of the key elements for a trafficker, particularly internationally, is withholding travel documents because then that person feels helpless. They can't get away, they can't get out of the situation. If I've got their passport, what are they going to do? They don't speak English, they've got nobody." Other signs include the victim having no cell phone; no access to their money and resources; not going out unaccompanied; being branded with tattoos of the trafficker's name; exhibiting signs of chronic fear, guilt, shame, distrust of authority and the inability to make decisions; having bruises and other signs of physical abuse. Houses with multiple female foreign naRoad and Guelph Line. While he said not every female sex worker is a victim of human trafficking, he noted the majority are. "If that is not a problem, I don't know what is," said Dick. "That is not a large area." The audience also heard Oakville's Shae Invidiata, founder of the anti-human trafficking organization free-them. Invidiata told the audience glamorization of pimp culture, such as music videos that depict domination or degradation of women, sends the wrong messages to youths. Varka Kalaydzhieva, anti-human trafficking coordinator at Toronto's FCJ Refugee Centre, noted Canada's laws prevent some victims from coming forward. She said, in some cases, victims are deported to their country of origin before investigations into their situations take place. Dick said human beings are not for sale and Halton police will continue to target human traffickers. Working with the public and local businesses, he said he is confident it will make a difference. "We do all need somebody at some point in our lives," he said, noting police are working to be that somebody for those in need. Anyone with information about human trafficking or any other crime is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). 3 | Thursday, February 20, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Det. Const. Martin Dick tionals, who are rarely seen and which are visited by different men at a variety of times, could also indicate the presence of human trafficking. Dick wrapped up his presentation with discussion of a video that depicted a pimp beating a woman. While the video was not filmed locally, Dick said the same thing happens here every day and goes unreported. He said police investigations confirmed that every day, 45 females are selling sex at locations along the QEW between Trafalgar Relocation Sale Dior. Alexander McQueen, Italia Independent, Faconnable & more 50 * See store for details % off * all eyeglasses 174 Lakeshore Road East (Downtown Oakville) lebeauoptical@gmail.com · www.lebeauoptical.com 905-845-3621