Saskatchewan human trafficking case ‘sets a precedent,’ Crown says, with 2 found guilty

A precedent-setting human trafficking case has been decided in Saskatchewan, with two men found guilty of their crimes, according to Crown prosecutor Leslie Dunning. Sohel Hadiar and Muhammad Masum were found guilty of human trafficking and sexual assault, respectively. Dunning emphasized that this case sets a precedent for future human trafficking cases in Saskatchewan, as there are no written decisions in the province on the matter.

The Crown prosecutor explained that human trafficking can occur in various forms, including within relationships and employment contexts, as evident in this case. Hadiar brought a Bengali woman, identified only as "SK," to Saskatchewan from Toronto, promising to pay for her accommodation, but instead exploited her fear of leaving Canada and her desperation to find work.

Masum, who later took her in, paid her an exorbitant amount for working long hours, while also sexually assaulting her multiple times. The judge determined the women's testimony to be credible, but found Hadiar’s account to be self-serving and unconvincing. Both men have been remanded into custody until August 14, with orders to have no contact with the victim.