WINNIPEG — Winnipeg police have charged two women with extortion after a Winnipeg man said he was sexually assaulted at a city spa and then blackmailed for cash.
And it’s possible there may be more victims out there, police said.
In this case, police say a 29 year-old man visited a spa on St. Anne’s road for a ‘separate business manner’ when he was offered the massage.
At some point he alleges he was sexually assaulted and then noticed the sexual act had been captured on camera, police said. The employees then said he had to pay them thousands of dollars or they were going to release the video.
Global News has confirmed the spa is “Simi Magic Spa.” A sign on its front door says it’s closed for maintenance.
Pam Sandhu, 22, is charged with extortion, voyeurism, sexual assault and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Simple Mehta, 29, has also been charged with extortion, procuring and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
No one at Simi Magic Spa was a licensed massage therapist and the business is not a member of the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba. The association said this is a challenge that’s all too common.
“There are a number of organizations over time who we’ve seen who are not legitimate,” Sheila Molloy, executive director said.
Molloy also stated the importance of researching the businesses before booking an appointment for a massage.
Police said more charges are expected to be released this week.