After nearly five years of incidents, Ottawa police have charged a woman with multiple offences related to human trafficking.
According to a press release, the joint operation between the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) anti-human trafficking unit and special intelligence from the RCMP, has led to the arrest of a Moncton, N.B. woman.
Cynthia Cassie, 36, was charged with more than 10 offences including:
- Trafficking in persons by exercising control
- Material benefit in trafficking
- Material benefit from sexual services
- Procuring
- Utter threats
- Assault, assault with a weapon and assault cause bodily harm
- Possession of a weapon
- Mischief to property
- Advertising another person’s sexual services
- Withhold travel or identity document trafficking a person over
- Utter forged passport
Cassie allegedly used the alias, Bailey, according to police, who are releasing her photo to encourage other people to come forward with information.
A photo of the accused Cynthia Cassie, 36. (OPS)
“Investigators believe that there are other victims of human trafficking related to this investigation,” the press release notes.
The incidents occurred between September 2019 and February 2024, before police began their investigation in March 2024.
Officials say they will respect victims’ wishes whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking. Police said the reporting of the incidents is important for officers to determine suspects and key crime trends.
Cassie appeared in court Nov. 6 and will remain in custody.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.