Victims as young as 15 were forced to be escorts by an alleged pimp who is now facing multiple charges.
Kelowna RCMP said the victims are between the ages of 15 and 20. They believe the victims were recruited through social media platforms.
Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey said the police investigation started in September 2015, and has so far identified nine victims from different provinces, including B.C., Alberta, Saksachewan and Quebec.
Investigators believe the suspect used physical violence to maintain control of his victims, whom he forced to work as escorts for him.
RCMP believe there may be even more victims and are asking the public’s help in finding potential victims.
The RCMP are concerned that there are more victims who have not yet come forward to police,
O’Donaghey said. We would like to encourage these individuals to come forward for help.
Simon Walter Rypiak, 32, is facing multiple charges, including procuring a person to have sexual intercourse, material benefit from sexual services, assault, sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm and procuring a person under 18 years old to have sexual intercourse.
Anyone who may have been victimized, solicited or has any information that may assist in the RCMP investigation, is asked to contact Cst. Greg Willcocks at 250-470-6317.
The public can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.