The Saskatchewan RCMP Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit (HTCEU), which is part of the Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT), in collaboration with the Saskatoon RCMP Detachment, has laid multiple charges against a 51-year-old Quebec man in connection to a human trafficking investigation that began in Dundurn.

Last Wednesday, on October 23rd, around 5:15 a.m. Saskatoon RCMP were called to a business in Dundurn for a report of kidnapping. They located a woman from Ontario at the business who said she was being held against her will. The investigation determined the woman had been forcibly taken from Toronto and that human trafficking had occurred in various locations in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Pierre Andre Bouchard is facing 14 charges that include, but aren’t limited to, trafficking in persons and forcible confinement as well as sexual assault and assault with a weapon. Bouchard was arrested by Saskatoon Police Service on the same day the woman was rescued, and Monday made his second court appearance in Saskatoon. He is remanded in custody and will be back in Saskatoon Provincial Court November 5th.

In a news release the RCMP SERT senior investigative officer, Inspector Jeff Smoliak says, “Human trafficking affects communities of all sizes, not just urban centres. It’s a reality that exists in big cities and small towns, including those here at home in Saskatchewan.” He noted that, “It’s also a crime that has no borders, which is why the Saskatchewan RCMP works interjurisdictionally to investigate these complex files and works closely with municipal police agencies and partners across the country.”

Saskatchewan RCMP has some tips on how human traffickers approach their target and it can be by pretending to be a potential love interest, friend or support person; connecting over social media or in person; offering gifts or money; introducing drugs or alcohol; or threatening potential victims’ loved ones if they don’t comply.

As a result of investigation, 51-year-old Pierre Andre Bouchard of Chambly, QC, is charged with:

• one count, trafficking in persons, Section 279.01, Criminal Code;
• one count, trafficking in persons – material benefit, Section 279.02(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, forcible confinement, Section 279(2), Criminal Code;
• one count, sexual assault, Section 271, Criminal Code;
• one count, sexual assault with other weapon, Section 272(1)(a), Criminal Code;
• one count, material benefit from sexual services, Section 286.2(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, obtaining sexual services for consideration, Section 286.1(1), Criminal Code;
• two counts, procuring, Section 286.3(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, uttering threats against a person, Section 264.1(1)(a), Criminal Code;
• one count, assault with weapon, Section 267(a), Criminal Code;
• one count, fail to comply probation order, Section 733.1(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, identity theft, 402.2(1), Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.