Ottawa police seek possible victims in human trafficking case

Anthony Badibanga-Mukendi, 27, is charged in connection with a human trafficking investigation. Ottawa police say he's gone by aliases such as Marty, Anton, and Tony. (Ottawa Police Service/handout)

Ottawa police are asking for any possible victims to come forward after a man was arrested and charged earlier this month in a human trafficking investigation.

The investigation began earlier this month and involves alleged incidents that date back years, according to the Ottawa Police Service.

Anthony Badibanga-Mukendi, 27, is facing a list of charges including trafficking in persons by exercising control, getting material benefit from sexual services, uttering threats, assault, forcible confinement, advertising another person’s sexual services, publishing an intimate image, and withholding travel or identity documents.

He appeared in court March 14 and was remanded into custody.

The Ottawa Police Service said Thursday there could be additional victims who have not yet come forward and they might not know the accused’s legal name, as he allegedly used several aliases, such as Marty, Anton, and Tony. In order to help locate possible victims, the police service released an image of the man.

“Investigators have determined that Badibanga-Mukendi has traveled across Canada and has been involved in human trafficking for several years,” a news release said.

“The Human Trafficking Unit will respect victims’ wishes whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking. The reporting of these incidents by victims to police is key for investigators to identify suspects and determine crime trends.”

Anyone with information regarding incidents involving this individual is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222 ext. 5625 or email [e-mail].

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

A list of supports for victims of human trafficking can be found on the Ottawa Police Service website.