SASKATOON – Three suspects charged last year in a human trafficking and organized crime investigation have been released on bail. The fourth suspect is still wanted by police.
In June 2019, the RCMP became aware of a suspected human trafficking group operating across Western Canada with strong ties to Saskatchewan. In June 2021, following an 18-month investigation into human trafficking, Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime issued Canada-wide arrest warrants for Bechir Ben Salah, 33, Mail Jean, 34, Kenny Jouthe, 31, and Billy Glenold-Fleury, 32. All four were charged with participating in the activities of a criminal organization, trafficking persons, material benefit from trafficking persons, and withholding or destroying identity documents.
Jean was arrested in Burnaby, British Columbia, two months ago. Salah was arrested in Laval, QC, three months ago, and Jouthe turned himself in to the Saskatoon Provincial Court on Oct. 6, 2021.
Glenold-Fleur, however, still remains at large and last month the RCMP renewed their request to the public to help locate him. Glenold-Fleur has ties to Saskatchewan, Quebec, Alberta, and B.C.
Jean had a show-cause hearing on April 14 and was granted bail. Salah and Jean were also granted bail at previous court appearances.
Anyone with information on this investigation or the whereabouts of Glenold-Fleury is asked to contact their local police service, RCMP Detachment or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
The RCMP believe there may be other victims who weren’t identified during their investigation and urge them to come forward if they require any assistance.
“Victims don’t often identify as victims, and human trafficking-related crimes are often underreported, which can make investigating files of this nature incredibly challenging,” said Insp. Andrew Farquhar, Officer in Charge of RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime North Unit.
If you are a victim/survivor of forced prostitution or forced labour, or suspect someone else might be, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. The Hotline Response Advocates will connect callers to support and services and will also take tips, answer questions, and forward information, when appropriate, to law enforcement. You can also report suspected human trafficking to your local police service or Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-222-8477.
