News release
Police target individuals purchasing sexual services
March 17, 2026
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Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
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BC Counter Human Trafficking Unit partners with Richmond RCMP to target individuals purchasing sexual services.
On March 12, 2026, the BC Counter Human Trafficking Unit and Richmond RCMP conducted a joint operation targeting individuals looking to purchase sexual services. The operation focused on identifying people using online platforms to arrange these transactions.
During the one-day operation, undercover officers communicated with more than 100 individuals online who were attempting to obtain sexual services. The deployment resulted in multiple arrests. All individuals were released pending further investigation.
These initiatives are intended to disrupt demand for sexual services, raise awareness about the harms associated with the sex trade, and strengthen community level deterrence. While independent voluntary sex work exists in British Columbia, it is the consumer demand that fuels human sex trafficking and creates situations where vulnerable people are exploited, and others profit from that exploitation. Reducing demand is a critical component in addressing this harm.
“It is illegal in Canada to purchase sexual services, even with adult independent sex workers or adult trafficking victims, and individuals engaging in this activity should understand they may face criminal charges,” says Inspector Lyndsay O’Ruairc of the BC Counter Human Trafficking Unit. “When you seek sexual services online, you have no way of knowing who you are communicating with, it could be a police officer, or it could be a vulnerable victim of human trafficking. By creating demand, you are directly contributing to the harm and exploitation that fuels this industry.”
“The safety of vulnerable people is our priority,” says Inspector Ed Yoshiyama, Investigative Services Section, Richmond RCMP. “Operations like this one allow us to assess conditions in our community and enforce laws that exist to protect people working here.”
For information on the signs of Human trafficking visit our website: Human trafficking: Recognizing and reporting | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Additional community‑based supports are available through the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, which operates a 24/7 hotline. Assistance can be accessed by calling 1‑833‑900‑1010 or by visiting the Canadian human trafficking hotline
Quotes
It is illegal in Canada to purchase sexual services, even with adult independent sex workers or adult trafficking victims, and individuals engaging in this activity should understand they may face criminal charges. When you seek sexual services online, you have no way of knowing who you are communicating with, it could be a police officer, or it could be a vulnerable victim of human trafficking. By creating demand, you are directly contributing to the harm and exploitation that fuels this industry.
Inspector Lyndsay O’Ruairc, BC Counter Human Trafficking Unit
The safety of vulnerable people is our priority. Operations like this one allow us to assess conditions in our community and enforce laws that exist to protect people working here.
Inspector Ed Yoshiyama, Investigative Services Section, Richmond RCMP
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Senior Media Relations Officer
BC RCMP Communication Services
kris.clark@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
778-290-3961