A Manitoba man has been arrested following a months-long police investigation into the financial exploitation of foreign workers.
The investigation began in October 2025 after the RCMP’s Human Trafficking Unit received several tips that the general manager of a Dauphin-area business was involved in illegal labour practices.
Throughout the 13-month investigation, Mounties interviewed several individuals and learned that the suspect allegedly demanded payment from temporary foreign workers in exchange for employment. Officers allege the workers were forced to pay associated immigration costs, which is in violation of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Police said they identified several victims, adding that in all cases the suspect demanded cash payments that ranged from $10,000 to $30,000.
Officers added that the suspect told the victims to “conceal or misrepresent” these transactions, including when speaking to immigration officials.
Police said they also determined the victims were expected to work overtime without payment, adding that anyone who complained would have their hours reduced or would be threatened with having their work permit pulled.
On Nov. 5, RCMP arrested a 48-year-old Dauphin man. He faces three counts of misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to immigration applications and three counts of employing a foreign national in a capacity in which the foreign national is not authorized.
The suspect was released on an undertaking under the conditions that he can’t attend his businesses or have contact with the victims. A referral has also been made to Manitoba’s employment standards branch to investigate any violations under the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act.
The investigation continues and the charges have not been proven in court.
