The B.C. government announced a new policing unit on Wednesday, aimed at combating human trafficking in the province.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger shared the news on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, July 30, alongside the RCMP. She explained that the new counter human trafficking unit (CHTU) will “enhance the detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking crimes, while expanding support for victims and targeting organized crime networks.”
“Human trafficking occurs in all areas of our province, and we all have a role to play in helping to prevent these horrific crimes,” Krieger said.
“The creation of this new unit marks a significant step forward in our government’s efforts to assist police in identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking, while also strengthening evidence-gathering to ensure those responsible for these crimes are held accountable.”
In 2023 alone, there were 43 reported cases of human trafficking in B.C., Krieger explained, adding, “It is believed that more were unreported and undetected.”
“Recently, a woman in Langley pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including human trafficking, after she was arrested in 2023. I’m thankful that in this case, the Langley RCMP was able to identify the crime and arrest the perpetrator,” she said.
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“One incident of human trafficking is too many, and it is our responsibility to provide police with the tools they need to address this crime.”
BC RCMP Chief Supt. Elijah Rain shared that human trafficking is a complex and hidden crime that requires special skills and resources.
“From education to detection, investigation, prosecution, and working closely with policing and community partners, the creation of this dedicated team strengthens our overall response to human trafficking in every corner of B.C.,” he said.
Twelve officers will comprise the CTHU in two teams. One team will be responsible for educating police officers across the province to build “crucial awareness,” Krieger said, while the other will be an investigative team.
“To be clear, those who engage in sex work out of their own choice are not the targets of our province’s response to human trafficking,” she added.
