Latest news with #ChristianVitela
CBC
07-07-2025
- CBC
Human trafficking case ends on 'significant disclosure issue,' Hamilton Crown drops charges
Social Sharing On the day a month-long trial for a man accused of "significant" human trafficking was set to begin, the Crown's case fell apart over a technicality. Christian Vitela, 37, and his defence lawyer had not received all disclosure or evidence related to the case in the years leading up to the criminal trial, assistant Crown attorney Heather Palin said on April 23. "There was a significant disclosure issue, which crystallized late last week, which had potential implications to derail the [trial]," Palin told Ontario Court Justice Stephen Darroch. Vitela hadn't accessed all phone records of the migrant workers he was charged with trafficking — the phones had been seized by the RCMP and were "typically core disclosure in human trafficking prosecutions," said Vitela's lawyer, Tobias Okada-Phillips. The RCMP, which initially laid nine human trafficking charges against Vitela in 2019, have a different version of events. It includes that they notified Vitela on several occasions that the information was available, and set up a room and computer for him to view the materials, but he never showed up. The RCMP told CBC Hamilton in an email in June that they don't comment on decisions made by prosecutors, but "the core disclosure that was required to prove the charges … was provided to the defence well in advance of the scheduled trial dates." In the end, the Crown found the issue substantial enough to cancel the trial, with the judge's approval, and after reaching a plea agreement with Vitela. The Attorney General of Ontario declined to comment further. The joint RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigation that began in 2018 involved multiple agencies — including federal immigration officials, and Ontario, Hamilton, Peel, Niagara and Waterloo police — with law enforcement saying they worked together to "combat crime and ensure the safety of all our citizens." In May, CBSA said the arrests and sentencing reflected an "unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of Canada's immigration system." Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide, says the Ontario government, which has a strategy and funding in place for police investigations and a special Crown team to "hold offenders accountable through vigorous prosecutions." 80 people found living in 'sub-standard conditions' In 2019, RCMP charged Vitela for the more serious crime of human trafficking along with five other people on similar charges. Police said in a news release that they'd found about 80 people from Mexico "subsiding in sub-standard conditions" across multiple properties, including a dozen in Vitela's Milton, Ont., home. But this spring, Vitela admitted to the lesser charge of employing foreign nationals without authorization and was sentenced to two years of probation. He was also granted a conditional discharge, meaning he won't have a criminal record if he fulfils the probation requirements. Vitela gave the migrant workers, who didn't have work permits, jobs through his employment agency, Palin said, reading from a joint submission agreed to by the defence. Vitela would arrange their transportation to and from job sites across the Golden Horseshoe, including recycling and meat packing plants, greenhouses, and flower, fruit and mink farms, said Palin. Work conditions were, at times, gruelling. Vitela collected payments from those businesses and paid the workers, minus rent and other expenses. Two workers received less money from Vitela than they'd expected, said Palin. The RCMP told CBC Hamilton in an email last month that "conditions of control were in place at the Vitela residence." "The victims reported that they were forced to give up their travel documents and were not allowed outdoors when they were at the residence," investigators said. Human trafficking is a "modern-day form of slavery," says Public Safety Canada's website. It involves recruitment, transportation, harbouring and exercising control over people through forced labour. The maximum sentence for someone found guilty of human trafficking is life imprisonment. At the hearing in April, Vitela apologized "for not screening and vetting" two people who worked for him "over six years ago for a couple of weeks." The judge recognized the "significant impact" the charges have had on Vitela's life, including on his business and ability to travel. "Having charges hanging over someone's head for so long can have a significant deterrent effect on someone," said Darroch. "I hope that's the case for you." The RCMP charges against Vitela's mother were also withdrawn. Case connected to other trafficking crimes in Hamilton Vitela was connected to two people in Hamilton who were also charged with human trafficking in the RCMP investigation: Miurel Bracamonte and Mario Roca Morales, said Palin. Bracamonte, 47, picked up and transported workers to job sites, arranged by Vitela and Roca Morales, and went on to run her own employment agency, said assistant Crown attorney Jim Cruess at a hearing in February 2023. "I did give them a job — I am guilty of that," Bracamonte told the court. She pleaded guilty to employing foreign nationals without authorization, and was sentenced to four months of house arrest and eight months probation. "The allegations against Miurel was that she was a secondary player in the group," said Cruess in 2023. "The most serious of them are against Mr. Roca [Morales] and Mr. Vitela." Roca Morales, 52, pleaded guilty to three counts of human trafficking in February 2024 and was sentenced to 8½ years in prison. The facts of his case were laid out in a joint submission filed with the court and seen by CBC Hamilton. The six people from Mexico entered Canada through Montreal and Toronto airports in 2018 and 2019, and worked for Roca Morales while living in squalid conditions in Hamilton. He determined their pay, how much they supposedly owed him and delayed payments. He would verbally berate and threaten to physically harm them, take away their jobs or housing, or have them arrested, while dressing in camouflage and at times carrying a gun, said the joint submission. He sexually assaulted one of the women and told others he wanted to impregnate them, it said. Another woman who lived in his apartment said she was "fearful the whole time ... as he was always drinking and violent toward his wife," the court document said. Roca Morales restricted when they could bathe, when they could go outside and what they could eat. Upwards of 12 people would live in one of his houses at a time, which were infested with bedbugs, cockroaches and mice. One man "opened the fridge and saw cockroaches pour out of the crisper," said the joint submission. At his sentencing hearing, Roca Morales called some of the victims "criminals" and told the judge to "f--k off."
Canada Standard
22-05-2025
- Canada Standard
Joint CBSA and RCMP investigation into a human trafficking network leads to sentencing of three individuals
May 22, 2025 Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada Border Services Agency | Royal Canadian Mounted Police The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are announcing that three individuals have entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced in connection with a joint investigation into human trafficking and employing foreign nationals without authorization. On April 23, 2025, Christian Vitela pled guilty to employing foreign nationals without authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . He received a conditional discharge with two years of probation with the condition that he not employ foreign nationals. On February 5, 2024, Mario Roca Morales pled guilty to three counts of human trafficking in violation of the Criminal Code of Canada . On February 27, 2024, he was sentenced to eight and a half years incarceration. On February 14, 2023, Miurel Bracamonte pled guilty to employing a foreign national without authorization, in violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . Bracamonte received a four-month conditional sentence plus an additional eight months probation. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $2,771 in restitution to the victim. In 2018, the RCMP's Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment and the CBSA's Southern Ontario Region began a joint investigation into human trafficking and unauthorized employment of foreign nationals. The foreign nationals entered the country as visitors via Toronto Pearson International Airport, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. The investigation revealed these individuals were trafficked into employment in different lines of work, mostly in the Hamilton-Niagara Region, through employment agencies operated by members of the group who had facilitated their entry into Canada. The foreign nationals were exploited by the group members and their respective companies. RCMP and CBSA, along with the Hamilton Police Service and several other police services in July and September of 2019, conducted eight search warrants in the Golden Horseshoe area, seven in Hamilton and one in Milton. They discovered 84 foreign nationals, living in deplorable conditions, upwards of 25 people living in a single house and others with infestations of bed bugs, cockroaches and other vermin. These search warrants and investigation led to charges of Human Trafficking, Material Benefit and Employing Foreign Nationals Without Authorization being laid in 2021 and 2022. The final court process was completed in April of 2025. If you have information about suspected human trafficking or foreign nationals being illegally employed, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060. If you wish to report criminal activity in your area, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.
Global News
22-05-2025
- Global News
Trafficked foreigners found working in Ontario lived in ‘deplorable' conditions
Police say three people have been convicted in relation to a Ontario human trafficking investigation. The RCMP and CBSA said the probe started in 2018 when foreign nationals entered Canada through Toronto and Montreal's international airports 'as visitors.' 'The investigation revealed these individuals were trafficked into employment in different lines of work, mostly in the Hamilton-Niagara Region, through employment agencies operated by members of the group who had facilitated their entry into Canada,' police said. Investigators allege the foreign nationals were 'exploited by the group members and their respective companies.' In July and September 2019, police said during several search warrants in Hamilton and Milton they made a 'deplorable' discovery. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy They found 84 foreign nationals living in 'deplorable conditions' — with upwards of 25 people living in one house — and other homes infested with bed bugs, cockroaches and other vermin, investigators said. Story continues below advertisement 1:53 Human trafficking not just a big city problem: RCMP The investigation led to charges such as human trafficking, material benefit and employing foreign nationals without authorization to be laid. The final court process was completed this April and three people were convicted. Police said Mario Roca Morales plead guilty and was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for human trafficking. Christian Vitela pled guilty to employing foreign nationals without authorization and received a conditional discharge with two years of probation with the condition that he does not employ foreign nationals. Miurel Bracamonte pled guilty to employing a foreign national without authorization. She was given a four-month conditional sentence plus an additional eight months of probation. She was also ordered to pay $2,771 in restitution to the victim. 'The charges and subsequent sentencing reflect a comprehensive investigation and our unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of Canada's immigration system,' said Abeid Morgan with CBSA. Story continues below advertisement Anyone with information about suspected human trafficking or foreign nationals being illegally employed is asked to contact CBSA or police.
Cision Canada
22-05-2025
- Cision Canada
Joint CBSA and RCMP investigation into a human trafficking network leads to sentencing of three individuals
, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ -The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are announcing that three individuals have entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced in connection with a joint investigation into human trafficking and employing foreign nationals without authorization. On April 23, 2025, Christian Vitela pled guilty to employing foreign nationals without authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. He received a conditional discharge with two years of probation with the condition that he not employ foreign nationals. On February 5, 2024, Mario Roca Morales pled guilty to three counts of human trafficking in violation of the Criminal Code. On February 27, 2024, he was sentenced to eight and a half years' incarceration. On February 14, 2023, Miurel Bracamonte pled guilty to employing a foreign national without authorization, in violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Bracamonte received a four-month conditional sentence plus an additional eight months' probation. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $2,771 in restitution to the victim. In 2018, the RCMP's Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment and the CBSA's Southern Ontario Region began a joint investigation into human trafficking and unauthorized employment of foreign nationals. The foreign nationals entered the country as visitors via Toronto Pearson International Airport, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. The investigation revealed these individuals were trafficked into employment in different lines of work, mostly in the Hamilton-Niagara Region, through employment agencies operated by members of the group who had facilitated their entry into Canada. The foreign nationals were exploited by the group members and their respective companies. RCMP and CBSA, along with the Hamilton Police Service and several other police services in July and September of 2019, conducted eight search warrants in the Golden Horseshoe area, seven in Hamilton and one in Milton. They discovered 84 foreign nationals, living in deplorable conditions, upwards of 25 people living in a single house and others with infestations of bed bugs, cockroaches and other vermin. These search warrants and investigation led to charges of Human Trafficking, Material Benefit and Employing Foreign Nationals Without Authorization being laid in 2021 and 2022. The final court process was completed in April of 2025. If you have information about suspected human trafficking or foreign nationals being illegally employed, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060. If you wish to report criminal activity in your area, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time. Quotes "I am proud of the efforts of Canada Border Services Agency investigators in ensuring the rights, safety and well-being of the victims in this investigation. The charges and subsequent sentencing reflect a comprehensive investigation and our unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of Canada's immigration system. The CBSA and the RCMP engage in ongoing collaboration to enhance border security and ensure that individuals who violate the law are held accountable for their actions." - Abeid Morgan, A/Director, Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency "The Royal Canadian Mounted Police seeks to preserve the safety and security of all members of the public in Canada, regardless of their citizenship. The high quality of this investigation is reflected in the fact that all three individuals entered guilty pleas. I commend the ongoing efforts and commitment of our members and the members of the CBSA who both work diligently to safeguard our borders." - Staff Sergeant Sylvain Tessier, Acting Officer in Charge, Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment Quick facts The CBSA identifies, investigates and pursues prosecution of individuals and entities that engage in or facilitate immigration fraud and other violations of the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In 2024, the CBSA opened 184 criminal investigations into suspected offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The CBSA receives referrals for suspected immigration offences from a variety of sources, including partner organizations and other government departments. Members of the public can report suspicious immigration activities through the Border Watch Line or by calling 1-888-502-9060. Website: X: @CanBorderSOR Facebook: CanBorder Instagram: CanBorder YouTube: CanBorder SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Joint CBSA and RCMP investigation into a human trafficking network leads to sentencing of three individuals
NIAGARA FALLS, ON, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ -The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are announcing that three individuals have entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced in connection with a joint investigation into human trafficking and employing foreign nationals without authorization. On April 23, 2025, Christian Vitela pled guilty to employing foreign nationals without authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. He received a conditional discharge with two years of probation with the condition that he not employ foreign nationals. On February 5, 2024, Mario Roca Morales pled guilty to three counts of human trafficking in violation of the Criminal Code. On February 27, 2024, he was sentenced to eight and a half years' incarceration. On February 14, 2023, Miurel Bracamonte pled guilty to employing a foreign national without authorization, in violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Bracamonte received a four-month conditional sentence plus an additional eight months' probation. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $2,771 in restitution to the victim. In 2018, the RCMP's Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment and the CBSA's Southern Ontario Region began a joint investigation into human trafficking and unauthorized employment of foreign nationals. The foreign nationals entered the country as visitors via Toronto Pearson International Airport, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. The investigation revealed these individuals were trafficked into employment in different lines of work, mostly in the Hamilton-Niagara Region, through employment agencies operated by members of the group who had facilitated their entry into Canada. The foreign nationals were exploited by the group members and their respective companies. RCMP and CBSA, along with the Hamilton Police Service and several other police services in July and September of 2019, conducted eight search warrants in the Golden Horseshoe area, seven in Hamilton and one in Milton. They discovered 84 foreign nationals, living in deplorable conditions, upwards of 25 people living in a single house and others with infestations of bed bugs, cockroaches and other vermin. These search warrants and investigation led to charges of Human Trafficking, Material Benefit and Employing Foreign Nationals Without Authorization being laid in 2021 and 2022. The final court process was completed in April of 2025. If you have information about suspected human trafficking or foreign nationals being illegally employed, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060. If you wish to report criminal activity in your area, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time. Quotes "I am proud of the efforts of Canada Border Services Agency investigators in ensuring the rights, safety and well-being of the victims in this investigation. The charges and subsequent sentencing reflect a comprehensive investigation and our unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of Canada's immigration system. The CBSA and the RCMP engage in ongoing collaboration to enhance border security and ensure that individuals who violate the law are held accountable for their actions." - Abeid Morgan, A/Director, Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency "The Royal Canadian Mounted Police seeks to preserve the safety and security of all members of the public in Canada, regardless of their citizenship. The high quality of this investigation is reflected in the fact that all three individuals entered guilty pleas. I commend the ongoing efforts and commitment of our members and the members of the CBSA who both work diligently to safeguard our borders." - Staff Sergeant Sylvain Tessier, Acting Officer in Charge, Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment Quick facts The CBSA identifies, investigates and pursues prosecution of individuals and entities that engage in or facilitate immigration fraud and other violations of the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In 2024, the CBSA opened 184 criminal investigations into suspected offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The CBSA receives referrals for suspected immigration offences from a variety of sources, including partner organizations and other government departments. Members of the public can report suspicious immigration activities through the Border Watch Line or by calling 1-888-502-9060. X: @RCMPONTFacebook: rcmpontarioYouTube: @RCMP_Ontario_GRCWebsite: RCMP in Ontario Website: @CanBorderSORFacebook: CanBorderInstagram: CanBorderYouTube: CanBorder SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
