A man living in Burnaby has been shipped to Saskatchewan to face human trafficking charges connected to a suspected human trafficking ring with strong ties to that province.
Saskatchewan RCMP launched an 18-month investigation in June 2019 after it became aware of the group, which police suspected was operating across Western Canada, according to a June 2021 news release.
As a result of the investigation, four men in their early 30s (Mali Jean, Billy Glenold-Fleury, Kenny Jouthe and Bechir Ben Salah) were charged with human trafficking, material benefit from human trafficking, withholding or destroying identity documents and charges related to participating in the activities of a criminal organization.
Jouthe turned himself in to the provincial court of Saskatoon.
Bechir Ben Salah was arrested in Laval, QC on January 12, 2022.
And Jean, who had been living in Burnaby, was picked up in Surrey by Surrey RCMP’s anti-gang squad on Feb. 25.
Officers pulled over a vehicle in the 13200 block of Old Yale Road, but the driver and passenger tried to flee on foot, according to police.
Jean, the alleged passenger, was arrested a short distance away with help from Transit Police officers, police said.
The 33-year-old was held in custody when police discovered he was wanted on the warrant out of Saskatchewan.
He has now been shipped to Saskatoon to face the human trafficking charges.
His next court appearance in Saskatoon provincial court is March 28.
Police are still looking for the fourth man charged in the human trafficking investigation: 32-year-old Billy Glenold-Fleury.
Saskatchewan RCMP renewed its request for help finding him Wednesday.
They noted Glenold-Fleury has ties to Saskatchewan, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.
“If you have information, contact your nearest police service,” stated a news release.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
