Four people have been charged in a human trafficking investigation that freed dozens of alleged “modern-day slaves” in Barrie, Ont., earlier this year, provincial police said Thursday. The charges relate to a probe unveiled in February, when authorities said they had rescued 43 people who were allegedly forced to work as cleaners at vacation properties in Ontario for as little as $50 per month. “The victims had initially paid the traffickers large sums of money to leave their home country and be transported to Canada. The operation breaking up the alleged human trafficking ring took place on Feb. 5 and also involved the Canada Border Services Agency, police said. “Thanks to advanced, victim-focused planning, the 43 victims — mostly males ranging in age from 20 to 46 years — were brought to safety, rehoused and provided with legal employment,” police said Thursday.

Source: thestar May 23, 2019 19:30 UTC