The Manitoba RCMP Human Trafficking Unit started an investigation into a Dauphin business in October 2025, after receiving multiple tips that a manager at the business was exploiting foreign workers.
RCMP started a formal investigation, which involved interviews with many individuals over several months. The investigation found the employer had demanded large payments from foreign workers, ranging between $10,000 and $30,000, in exchange for employment at the business. Workers were also made to pay associated immigration costs, in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
RCMP identified several victims, who were all told to pay in cash, and conceal their payments, especially when speaking to immigration officials. Investigators also found evidence the victims were expected to work overtime without payment. Any individuals who complained had their hours reduced, and were threatened with having their work permit revoked, meaning they couldn't get permanent resident status in Canada.
Dauphin RCMP and the Manitoba RCMP Human Trafficking Unit arrested the suspect on November 5th without any incident. The suspect, a 48 year old Dauphin male, faces several charges, including three counts of misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to immigration applications, and three counts of employing a foreign national in a capacity in which the foreign national is not authorized, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
According to an RCMP spokesperson, the suspect and business are not being named at this time, as there is no evidence to suggest anyone else at the business was involved, and the investigation is ongoing.
He was released on an undertaking, with conditions including to not attend the business or have any contact with the victims.
