Valerie Leungabout

Richmond police target, arrest people seeking sexual services online

More than 100 people were identified in one day using platforms to arrange transactions

A joint police operation was held to target people looking to buy sexual services in Richmond.

The BC Counter Human Trafficking Unit and Richmond RCMP made multiple arrests on Thursday, March 12, after undercover officers communicated and identified more than 100 people using online platforms to arrange sexual service transactions.

All individuals were released pending further investigation, according to a BC RCMP media release.

BC RCMP said these operations aim to reduce the demand for sexual services, raise awareness about the harms linked to the sex trade and deter these activities in communities.

"While independent voluntary sex work exists in British Columbia, it is the consumer demand that fuels human sex trafficking and creates situations where vulnerable people are exploited, and others profit from that exploitation," according to BC RCMP.

Police said reducing this demand is critical to addressing the harm it can cause.

"It is illegal in Canada to purchase sexual services, even with adult independent sex workers or adult trafficking victims, and individuals engaging in this activity should understand they may face criminal charges," said Insp. Lyndsay O'Ruairc of the BC Counter Human Trafficking Unit.

"When you seek sexual services online, you have no way of knowing who you are communicating with. It could be a police officer, or it could be a vulnerable victim of human trafficking. By creating demand, you are directly contributing to the harm and exploitation that fuels this industry."

Insp. Ed Yoshiyama with Richmond RCMP's investigative services section added it is their priority to keep vulnerable people safe.

"Operations like this one allow us to assess conditions in our community and enforce laws that exist to protect people working here," said Yoshiyama.

For information on the signs of human trafficking, visit the website here.

Additional community-based supports are available through the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, which operates a 24/7 hotline.

Assistance can be accessed by calling 1-833-900-1010 or by visiting the Canadian human trafficking hotline.