A human trafficking trial in Rosetown continues Wednesday after testimony from a woman, who claims she was sexually assaulted and forced into gruelling work conditions while employed at small-town Saskatchewan restaurants.
The accused, Mohammad Masum and Sohel Haider, were arrested in June 2023, and are each charged with one count of human trafficking. Masum also faces three charges of sexual assault.
The trial, which began Monday, revealed disturbing details of the woman's experience, starting from the moment she arrived in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, in November 2022. Her identity is protected under a publication ban.
The woman had come to Canada on a visitor's permit and responded to a job ad on a popular employment website, which led her to Saskatchewan. She was offered $1,000 monthly to work at a restaurant in Tisdale.
The testimony highlighted broader abuses related to human trafficking. According to the Saskatchewan RCMP, the victim was forced to work 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, at restaurants in Gull Lake, Elrose, and Tisdale. When not working, she was confined to an unfinished, dimly lit basement with severe water damage. Her employers reportedly threatened to revoke her work permit or contact the police if she did not comply with their demands.
Earlier this year, the Saskatchewan RCMP's Swift Current Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) launched an investigation into the operation, leading to the arrests of Masum and Haider. A third man was arrested but later released without charges.
Supt. Glenn Church, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT), emphasized the importance of recognizing human trafficking in both urban and rural areas. "This investigation illustrates human trafficking can take many forms, including forced labour. It’s not just a big city issue—human trafficking is present in communities both big and small, including Saskatchewan."
As the trial continues, the woman has been connected with support services, including protections under Saskatchewan’s Protection from Human Trafficking Act. The investigation serves as a reminder of the pervasiveness of human trafficking and forced labour, with officials urging residents to report any suspicious activity.
"This case shows that human trafficking isn’t limited to major urban centres. It’s happening in our rural communities as well, and we must stay vigilant," added Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Christine Tell. "We are grateful for the work of the Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team and their efforts to make our communities safer."
The trial will continue in Rosetown Provincial Court on Thursday, September 26th