Manitoba RCMP Arrest 7, Lay 65 Charges in Human Trafficking Probe Involving Teen Girls

Seven people have been arrested and 65 charges have been laid in connection with a Manitoba RCMP child exploitation and human trafficking investigation. The probe in Portage la Prairie by the Mounties’ internet child exploitation unit uncovered two 15-year-old victims, although police suspect there may be more, RCMP Inspector Shawn Pike said. “Our investigators believe there are more survivors,” Insp. Pike said at a July 9 press conference. “Information has led our officers to know that a currently unidentified 13- or 14-year-old female was also exploited.” The investigation began in early February when the RCMP received a tip that a young girl had regularly been seen throughout the city with older men, Insp. Pike said. Officers soon discovered that two 15-year-old girls had been victimized by several men after being targeted by an adult female....