RCMP Human Trafficking Unit arrests employer after foreign workers exploited

November 13, 2026 - Dauphin, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

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On Oct. 16, 2025, the Manitoba RCMP Human Trafficking Unit began a nearly 13 month-long investigation into illegal labour practices occurring at a Dauphin-area business.

Officers received multiple tips that a general manager at the business was exploiting employees for financial benefit.

RCMP began a formal investigation that included interviewing many individuals over several months. The investigation found that the suspect had demanded payment from temporary foreign workers in exchange for employment at his business. The workers were forced to pay associated immigration costs, which is in direct contravention of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The RCMP have identified several victims. In all cases the suspect demanded payments be made in cash, with payments ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. The suspect instructed the victims to conceal or misrepresent these payments, including when speaking to immigration officials. 

Additionally, investigators found evidence that the victims were expected to work overtime without payment. Individuals who complained would have their hours reduced and threatened with having their work permit pulled, which would jeopardize their ability to obtain permanent residency status in Canada.

On Nov. 5, the RCMP Human Trafficking Unit and Dauphin RCMP arrested the male without incident.

A 48-year-old Dauphin male faces charges under The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, including:

• Misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to immigration applications x3; and
• Employing a foreign national in a capacity in which the foreign national is not authorized x3.

He was released on an undertaking with conditions to not attend the business and not have any contact with the victims. 

A referral has been made to Manitoba’s Employment Standards Branch to investigate violations under The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act.

The investigation continues.