Two men from Oakville have been arrested and are facing serious charges following allegations that foreign workers at a local sushi restaurant were exploited through deception, coercion, and abuse, Halton Regional Police announced Tuesday.
The investigation began in March after authorities received a report of suspected labour trafficking involving three Mexican nationals employed at August 8 Sushi Restaurant, located at 280 North Service Rd. W. in Oakville. Police executed search warrants at both the restaurant and two residential properties connected to the case.
Inside the homes, investigators reportedly found individuals living in cramped, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions. Police said the workers were subjected to control that left them feeling “powerless and dependent,” with violations that extended to their “sexual integrity.” Several items were seized during the searches, and additional victims have since come forward.
On June 11, police arrested 46-year-old Rong Xi Yu, the franchise owner of August 8. He has been charged with one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and three counts each of trafficking in persons and receiving a material benefit.
Also arrested was the restaurant’s head chef, 27-year-old Wenjun Li. He faces three counts each of trafficking in persons, receiving material benefit, withholding or destroying identity documents, and sexual assault.
Both men are additionally facing six charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the unauthorized employment of foreign nationals.
Yu and Li remain in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton. None of the charges have been proven in court.
Police believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the Halton Regional Police Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 4973, or to reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.