Human trafficking allegations probed

"I was told that I could come here and start a new life and I was sold into slavery."

That is the claim of a victim in an alleged human trafficking ring based in Hamilton that is said to lure people from Papa, Hungary.

The man, who was too fearful to have his name used, was among a group who claim they were brought to Hamilton with the promise of well-paying work, trained to lie to immigration and government officials and then had all documentation withheld while they worked in construction for free.

None of these claims has been proven in court.

Some of the men found a way to break free and went to authorities.

"We had an opportunity and took it," was all he would say.

These claims are part of an ongoing "human trafficking-like investigation," being conducted by RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and with assistance from police in Hungary, said RCMP Sergeant Marc LaPorte.

Comments

[Wilma Seville]

This does go on.

I know personally of a case many years ago of two Brazilian girls who were hired in Brazil to come and dance in Toronto. When they arrived, they became virtual prisioners of the nightclub owner (Portugese man and wife) and their passports were taken from them.

As it was many, many years ago, the details are sketchy in my mind. People living in poverty think that the grass is always greener on the other side and take unbelievable chances to improve their lot in life. I am happy to say that in the case of these two women, their situation is now fine

There will always be selfish and unscrupulous people out there who take advantage of others. In their greed, they harm others.

[Wilma Seville]

This does go on.

I know personally of a case many years ago of two Brazilian girls who were hired in Brazil to come and dance in Toronto. When they arrived, they became virtual prisioners of the nightclub owner (Portugese man and wife) and their passports were taken from them.

As it was many, many years ago, the details are sketchy in my mind. People living in poverty think that the grass is always greener on the other side and take unbelievable chances to improve their lot in life. I am happy to say that in the case of these two women, their situation is now fine

There will always be selfish and unscrupulous people out there who take advantage of others. In their greed, they harm others.