The Ottawa Police Service has laid more than 50 new charges against a 27-year-old man in connection with an ongoing human trafficking investigation.
Anthony Badibanga-Mukendi was first arrested in March and initially charged with a series of offences, including human trafficking by exercising control, receiving a material benefit from sexual services, uttering threats, assault, forcible confinement, advertising another person’s sexual services, publishing an intimate image without consent, and withholding travel or identity documents.
Police announced Monday that additional charges have been filed as more victims have come forward.
“We commend the courage of victims who have come forward and contributed vital information to this investigation,” the force said in a news release. “Detectives from the Human Trafficking Unit believe that there may be more individuals who have yet to speak with police.”
The new charges include multiple counts of human trafficking-related offences, including exercising control and recruiting, as well as several assault-related charges such as sexual assault, choking, assault causing bodily harm and aggravated assault.
Additional charges include harassment, forcible confinement, publication of intimate images without consent, and the destruction or withholding of travel or identity documents.
The Ottawa Police Service said it was “taking the extra step of publicly releasing (Badibanga-Mukendi’s) photo” on the belief there are even more victims who might come forward.
“Reporting these incidents is crucial in helping investigators identify suspects and track crime trends,” police said.