Advertisement

Two Quebec men arrested fleeing Ontario in alleged human trafficking case

Siffedine Bilachi, left, and Nacim Hamouni, right, are charged with human trafficking offences by Toronto police. Toronto Police Service / Handout

Two Quebec men have been arrested in Ontario in a human trafficking investigation.

Toronto police say that a 25-year-old woman met two men in Montreal and they allegedly convinced her to take up sex work.

It’s alleged they took her to Ottawa and Toronto, advertising her sexual services online and forcing her to do sex work and turn over her earnings.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

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

Police say that on Nov. 6 the woman refused to work as an escort, and as a result, one of the men stole her cellphone and assaulted her.

They say hospital staff reported her injuries to police and the men were arrested while trying to flee to Quebec.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: 25% of Canada’s human trafficking victims are minors: Statistics Canada

Sifeddine Bilachi, 24, of Quebec, is charged with nine offences, including trafficking in persons, material benefit from sexual services and assault.

Nacim Hamouni, 25, of Quebec, is facing six charges, including trafficking in persons, material benefit from sexual services and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Sponsored content

AdChoices