BRANDON – 20 men were arrested on the weekend as a result of a joint Winnipeg-Brandon project to target the demand side of sexual exploitation.

The focus of “Project Beckon”in the safety and well-being of those involved in the sex trade and to conduct enforcement on those who are exploiting vulnerable victims for sexual services.

Focused in Brandon, 20 men between the ages of 18 and 80, were arrested and charged with Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration.

15 vehicles seized under the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act.

All 20 individuals have been released on a Promise to Appear.

Sexual Exploitation is not bound by jurisdictions. Victims do not choose this lifestyle or the harm inflicted upon them as a result. Those vulnerable to sexual exploitation are transient.

Further results of this joint force operation are that investigators can focus on building safer, long term strategies while balancing the needs of everyone involved.

Signs victims are being exploited include: being escorted and/or watched, not speaking on their own behalf, limited knowledge of area/city they are in, and signs of depression or fear.

For more information on sexual exploitation and human trafficking visit:

https://www.winnipeg.ca/police/ceu/default.stm

Anyone with information related to crimes of procuring for sexual services or human trafficking is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency, the Winnipeg Police Counter Exploitation Unit at 204-986-3464 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).