Kelowna RCMP (submitted photo)

By Pete McIntyre

RCMP Investigation

Man charged with human trafficking in Okanagan and Victoria

Dec 12, 2023 | 3:45 PM

A 36-year-old Quebec man has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged human trafficking offences in Kelowna and Victoria.

RCMP say in May of 2021, the Kelowna RCMP Sex Crimes Unit became engaged in a human trafficking investigation that allegedly occurred in the two B.C. cities.

“As a result of the in-depth investigation and the evidence that was collected, an arrest warrant was issued for Mr. Stanley Jean-Baptiste which was executed with the assistance of law enforcement in Montreal on Dec. 8, 2023. Mr. Baptiste has been remanded in custody and is being escorted back to Kelowna to appear before the courts,” a news release from RCMP stated.

“We know that Kelowna is part of a circuit used by human traffickers who exploit vulnerable individuals for sexual purposes,” Cpl. Tim Russell, Kelowna Vulnerable Persons Unit, said. “Our investigators remain steadfast in our commitment along with other community partners who have taken a stance to combat this criminality in our community.”

Kelowna Mounties have partnered with the City of Kelowna, Kelowna International Airport and the Kelowna Child Advocacy Centre for the awareness campaign “Not In My City”, which was launched last spring. The campaign is aimed at highlighting and preventing human trafficking and youth sexual exploitation.

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If you know someone that is associated with trafficking, the Kelowna RCMP urge you to contact the police immediately at 250-762-3300 or you can remain anonymous by contacting the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.net.