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Two men charged in human trafficking investigations

Two separate incidents of sex slaves travelling between Ottawa and Toronto

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Two men were arrested last week in connection with separate human trafficking incidents. Toronto Police made the arrests after receiving calls about women in the sex trade travelling between Ottawa and Toronto.

Police say the Human Trafficking Enforcement Team began its first investigation on Friday and a second investigation on Sunday.

According to police, the woman involved in the first investigation is 30-years-old. She was forced to earn $2,000 a day, and hand over her earnings to a man, police say.

In the second investigation, an 18-year-old woman was forced to work as an exotic dancer. She was also forced to hand over her earnings, police say.

Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu says the investigation is ongoing and police cannot confirm the incidents are connected.

Michael Stephen Johnson, 36, of Toronto faces 10 charges, including trafficking in persons by recruiting, assault, forcible confinement and living on avails of prostitution. Ashor Anwia, 20, of Ottawa faces six charges, including trafficking in persons by recruiting and forcible confinement.

Both appeared in court on Sept. 29.

Police said they fear there may be more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call 416-808-7474.

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