A Preston spa was raided Thursday morning and two people have been charged by Waterloo regional police as part of a human trafficking investigation.
Police began the investigation in March 2023 after receiving a report that a spa at Unit 19 of 140 McGovern Drive was offering sexual services and had been for several years.
Through the investigation, police determined the owners and business were profiting from sexual services being offered and employees were procured for employment for such services.
Alongside WRPS’ Human Trafficking Team, Intelligence Services Branch, and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, police conducted a search warrant on April 11 resulting in proceeds of crime, including the unit the business was operating out of, the corporate bank account and a luxury SUV being seized/restrained.
A 45-year-old Cambridge woman has been charged with the following crimes:
- Communication for the purpose of sexual services
- Obtain material benefit from sexual services
- Procurement (two counts)
- Uttering forged documents
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
In addition, a 58-year-old man has been charged with obtaining material benefit from sexual services.
The accused were held in police custody for a bail hearing.
Human Trafficking investigators believe there may be more victims. If you or someone you know feels they have been the victim of sexual exploitation or crimes of sexual violence while working at this business, please contact WRPS’ Human Trafficking Team at [email protected] or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca.
