The Winnipeg Police Service has arrested 13 men in a series of proactive offender sweeps conducted in response to reports of youth being propositioned in local neighbourhoods and online.
Between September 27 and October 2, the police’s Counter Exploitation Unit (CEU) carried out these sweeps in the North and West End neighbourhoods as part of the Indigenous Women and Girls Safety Strategy.
The WPS says in a release that the arrested individuals, ranging in age from 23 to 62, face charges for Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration. All have been released on undertakings, as mandated by the Criminal Code.
In addition to the arrests, 11 vehicles were seized under the Highway Traffic Act, and several individuals working in the sex trade were offered community resources.
The CEU encourages anyone with information regarding exploitation concerns to contact them at 204-986-3464 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS.