Quebec man charged with human trafficking in B.C., RCMP say

RCMP in Kelowna, B.C., say police in Montreal assisted them in the arrest of a 36-year-old man on multiple charges of human trafficking.

RCMP say in a statement that their sex crimes unit began an investigation in 2021 and collected evidence leading to the arrest of Stanley Jean-Baptiste.

Cpl. Tim Russell with the Kelowna RCMP's vulnerable persons unit says they know the city is part of a circuit used by traffickers who exploit people for sexual purposes.

Police say they have collaborated with the city, the Kelowna airport and Kelowna Child Advocacy Centre on an awareness campaign aimed at preventing human trafficking and youth sexual exploitation.

RCMP sayJean-Baptiste was arrested with the help of police in Montreal on Dec. 8.

He is in custody and is scheduled to be escorted back to Kelowna to face the charges.