News release

Manitoba RCMP Human Trafficking Unit arrests two after months long investigation

June 26, 2025 - Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

Content

The Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) of the Manitoba RCMP has completed a five-month investigation into suspected labour trafficking at a business in the RM of Portage la Prairie.

The investigation began on February 9, 2025, when officers from the Portage la Prairie RCMP detachment responded to a disturbance at a hotel within the community.

Further to the initial investigation, a complaint was received about possible labour trafficking taking place at the same establishment. Two female victims came forward to police at that time.

As the investigation progressed, two additional victims, who also worked at the hotel, were identified.

Officers discovered the victims were recruited from another country and promised legal work, fair wages, and affordable living in Manitoba through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) agreement.

However, the victims were working 15-hour days and being paid well under the minimum wage requirements. In addition, threats of deportation and intimidation tactics were being used to keep the victims working. In one instance, the victim’s identification documents were being withheld.

The promised LMIA agreements, which would have legalized their work within the country, were eventually fulfilled for three of the four victims, leaving one victim without.

On June 12, 2025, a 62-year-old male, Jai Inder Sandhu, an owner at the hotel, was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in Persons x4,
• Material Benefit – Trafficking
• Withholding/Destroying Documents
• Trafficking
• Uttering Threats x 2

A 48-year-old female, Satbir Sandhu, who also was an owner of the hotel, has been charged with:

• Trafficking in Persons x4
• Material Benefit – Trafficking

“Our goal from the outset was to help these victims of labour trafficking. They all came to Canada in good faith, believing they were going to work legally and be protected. Instead, they were threatened and forced to work for very little pay,” said Sergeant Cathy Farrell from the Manitoba RCMP’s Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit. “We remain committed to helping these victims and all others within the province who are being trafficked.”

About Labour Trafficking

Labour trafficking is a form of human trafficking and involves recruiting, moving or holding victims to coerce them into doing any kind of work. Migrant workers, newcomers, and vulnerable persons are at risk to these types of traffickers.

It is important that employees know and recognize their rights when working:

• Employers should never threaten you with violence, arrest, or deportation
• Employers do not have the right to ask for your pay or a portion of your pay that was promised to you
• Employers should never control who you speak with
• Employer provided housing should be safe and sanitary
• Employers should not take and keep your personal identification documents
•  

We urge anyone who believes they are being trafficked or are concerned about someone they know or are aware of a workplace that is using labour trafficking to contact their local police service.

If you are not comfortable calling police, other community resources are available and ready to help:

• Joy Smith Foundation
  Works to provide access to information so that every Canadian man, woman and child is educated and empowered to stay safe from manipulation, force, or abuse of power designed to lure and exploit them in the sex trade or forced labour.
  (204) 691-2455
  help@joysmithfoundation.com
  www.joysmithfoundation.com

   

• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7 and Confidential
  Helps connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.
  1-833-900-1010

• The Salvation Army Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking

Committed to serving and supporting people with lived experience, their family and friends. Programs range from outreach, emergency housing, short and long-term housing, live-in rehabilitation services, employment training, peer support, drop-in centres, and case management.

Email for Prairie Region: pra-msht@salvationarmy.ca

Phone: 204 949-2100

Web Site: www.salvationist.ca/trafficking

• Crime Stoppers – Anonymous and Confidential
  A cooperative program between the local media, citizens, and the police designed to involve the public in the fight against crime.
  204-786-8477 or Toll-Free: 1-800-222-8477

Contacts