23 men arrested in Brandon bust targeting sexual exploitation

More than 20 men were arrested during a joint operation targeting sexual exploitation in the City of Brandon.

Project Blockade was conducted by Brandon Police Service's organized crime section and Winnipeg Police Service's counter exploitation unit, with support from the Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre.

The two-day operation aimed to "disrupt both street-level and online exploitation activities," BPS said in a news release on Thursday.

Last Thursday and Friday, officers arrested 23 men for obtaining sexual services for consideration or communicating in any place for that purpose, with the arrests taking place in multiple locations across the city, including downtown Brandon and local hotels, the release said.

Additionally, police seized seven vehicles that were used in prostitution-related offences, BPS said.

All the men were released on undertakings.

Project Blockade demonstrated the importance of collaboration when tackling exploitation within communities, BPS Staff Sgt. D. Andrew said in the release.

"These crimes often operate in the shadows, and co-ordinated efforts like this are essential in protecting vulnerable individuals and sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated," he said.

Brandon police said investigators are analyzing the evidence and asked anyone with information to contact BPS or Crime Stoppers.

– The Brandon Sun