Saskatchewan RCMP STRT Charges Forced Labour at Saskatchewan Restaurants

• Two males charged by Saskatchewan RCMP STRT in relation to forced labour at restaurants in Gull Lake, Elrose, and Tisdale.
• Victim allegedly worked 10-12 hours a day, seven days a week, for several months without proper compensation or working conditions.
• FINTRAC's financial intelligence led to the investigation and subsequent charges against the two males.
• The case highlights increased scrutiny on human trafficking and labour exploitation in Canada.
• Businesses may need to review their employment practices and anti-trafficking policies as a result of this development.

According to reports, the victim was allegedly subjected to severe working conditions, working 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, for several months at restaurants in Gull Lake, Elrose, and Tisdale.

A human trafficking operation, which began earlier this year, came under scrutiny after FINTRAC's financial intelligence was shared with the RCMP's Swift Current Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT). The STRT's investigation led to charges against two males. According to reports, the victim was allegedly subjected to severe working conditions, working 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, for several months at restaurants in Gull Lake, Elrose, and Tisdale. This case highlights the complexities of human trafficking and labour exploitation in Canada.

The incident has significant implications for businesses operating in Saskatchewan. Lawyers and compliance officers should take note that this development underscores the increased scrutiny on human trafficking and labour exploitation in Canada. As a result, companies may need to review their employment practices and anti-trafficking policies to ensure they are compliant with relevant laws. The FINTRAC investigation and subsequent STRT charges demonstrate the importance of monitoring financial transactions for suspicious activity.

The RCMP's STRT plays a crucial role in combating human trafficking in Saskatchewan. The team's collaboration with FINTRAC highlights the value of inter-agency cooperation in identifying and disrupting human trafficking operations. The investigation concluded with charges laid in July 2023, and the trial for Mohammad Masum and Sohel Haider began in September 2024. As of June 3, 2026, a judge's decision is pending. This case serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are actively working to combat human trafficking and labour exploitation.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of this development as it highlights the increased scrutiny on human trafficking and labour exploitation in Canada, and may require businesses to review their employment practices and anti-trafficking policies.

Source: Original reporting via News release: Saskatchewan RCMP STRT charges two males after investigation into forced labour at Saskatchewan restaurants