Two men charged with human trafficking at Edenwold business: RCMP

Two Saskatchewan men are facing human trafficking charges after an investigation that began in November.

According to the Saskatchewan RCMP, the case began when police at the White Butte RCMP detachment received a report about potential human trafficking at a business in the RM of Edenwold, northeast of Regina.

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“Investigation determined that an employee was required to pay a large sum of cash in order to secure employment with the company and obtain permanent residency status,” the RCMP said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“The business owners would withhold wages, force employees to drive with unsafe loads and work long hours without compensation.”

Police said two men, 36-year-old Himanshu Kundra from Spruce Creek and 50-year-old Jagtar Sadiora from Regina, have each been charged with human trafficking, receiving a benefit from human trafficking and withholding or destroying documents. Both men appeared in court last week, the RCMP said, and they’re expected to appear before a judge in Regina on July 2.

“Investigators believe there may be more victims,” the RCMP added, asking anyone with information on the alleged trafficking to contact police or make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers.

Mounties encourage public to report suspected trafficking

“Labour trafficking, which is a form of human trafficking, is a hidden crime that exploits vulnerable individuals for financial gain. Every worker in Canada has the right to work in safe conditions, free from coercion, intimidation, and exploitation,” said RCMP constable Sarah Feaver, of the White Butte RCMP.

“For anyone who may feel they are a victim of human trafficking and are unsure where to turn – please contact the police. We are here to help you.”

The RCMP said the warning signs of human trafficking include a person not having the freedom to leave their job or workplace, an employer withholding documents like passports or identification, unpaid or stolen wages, extremely long work hours, unsafe working conditions, poor living conditions, fear and intimidation, and false promises or debt which may be used to lure a person or force them to continue working.

“Saskatchewan RCMP recognize that no one knows a community better than the people who live there,” the RCMP added.

“When something seems off, residents are the first to notice. Saskatchewan RCMP ask that if you suspect someone you know, or someone in your community, is a victim of human trafficking, contact your local police immediately.”

Kelly Plamondon, with the Saskatchewan RCMP’s human trafficking and counter-exploitation unit, said human trafficking may seem like “a distant issue” to many people in Saskatchewan, but that’s not actually the case.

“It’s happening right in our communities – where victims are being manipulated, coerced, or threatened,” Plamondon said in a statement.

“This makes it very difficult for them to seek help. We urge the public to stay informed, recognize the warning signs, and report suspicious activity.”

Calgary man facing trafficking charges after investigation led by Regina cops

A 28-year-old Calgary man was hit with human trafficking charges last month, following an investigation led by police in Regina.

According to the Regina Police Service, the case began in December when officers were informed about a woman who was being trafficked in the sex trade. Police said the investigation indicated the woman was trafficked across western Canada, including in Regina, between December of 2023 and November of 2025.

Police said the investigation, which involved a number of police agencies, ultimately led to the arrest of 28-year-old Abdoulaye Gadjiko in Calgary last week. Police also searched four homes, a business and a vehicle in Calgary in connection with the case.

Gadjiko has been charged with human trafficking, benefiting materially from trafficking, benefiting materially from sexual services, procuring, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000 and money laundering. He’s scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court on Wednesday morning.

Hospitality workers in Saskatchewan receiving training to spot trafficking

Last month, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a commitment of $115,000 through a federal action plan to support Hospitality Saskatchewan’s industry-wide training program to help workers in hotels, bars, restaurants and other tourism industries spot the signs of trafficking and respond appropriately.

Jim Bence, Hospitality Saskatchewan’s CEO, said human traffickers often make use of the services the hospitality sector provides, so it’s important for workers to be able to spot red flags and warning signs.

“This horrific crime occurs throughout the country, including right here in Saskatchewan, in hotels, motels, Airbnb’s, with transactions happening in bars, pubs, lounges and restaurants,” Jim Bence, CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan, said in a statement.

“With this funding we are now able to provide invaluable training to those front-line workers who are best positioned to recognize, report and combat this insidious crime.”

Alana Ross, Saskatchewan’s minister responsible for the status of women, said the training is a practical step that can help prevent trafficking and protect people at risk of victimization.

“This investment helps workers recognize the warning signs, take action and connect people to support, making communities across Saskatchewan safer,” Ross said in a statement.