Advertisement

Montreal men charged after forcing woman into sex trade, threatening to kill dog: police

Amine Chakar, 19, (left) and Anass Ahaouaze, 19, (right) have been charged in connection with a Toronto police human trafficking investigation. Toronto Police Service/Handout

Two Montreal men have been charged after Toronto police said they forced a woman into prostitution and threatened to kill her dog if she didn’t continue.

Toronto police said a 20-year-old woman was taken from the Montreal-area to Toronto by two men, who allegedly forced her into the sex trade industry.

Investigators said the men took photos of the woman in various stages of undress and posted them on an escort website that also advertised her sexual services.

READ MORE: Ontario promises to spend up to $72 million to fight human trafficking

The men then also allegedly “managed all incoming calls” and police said they made arrangements with clients to meet the woman.

Police said the woman was forced to turn over all of her money to the men, but eventually refused to work and attempted to leave.

Story continues below advertisement

That’s when police said the woman was assaulted and forced to stay with the men unless she was able to pay an “exit fee.”

READ MORE: Man, woman from Brampton arrested in human trafficking investigation

The men then allegedly took all the woman’s belongings, which police said included her pet dog that the men threatened to kill “in an attempt to control her.”

Amine Chakar, 19, and Anass Ahaouaze, 19, both of Montreal, were arrested Tuesday by the human trafficking enforcement unit and charged.

Chakar faces seven charges, including trafficking in persons by recruiting, financial/material benefit by trafficking persons, withholding travel or identity documents, assault, procuring prostitution, advertising another person’s sexual services and forcible confinement.

READ MORE: Teenage girl charged in recruitment of Toronto high school student into sex trade

Ahaouaze has been charged with trafficking in persons by recruiting, financial/material benefit by trafficking persons, withholding travel or identity documents, assault, advertising another person’s sexual services and forcible confinement.

Both men appeared in a Toronto court on Wednesday and police said they are concerned there may be other alleged victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at http://www.222tips.com, or by texting TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices