RCMP charge Quebec man with human trafficking after stop in Manitoba

The case dates back to January 19, 2021, according to a statement from the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). A unpredictable driver was then reported on the Winnipeg Perimeter Road.

Officers intercepted him and upon speaking to the occupants of the vehicle, officers determined that they had been in a fight, which led to the arrest of the driverthe statement said.

The driver then became aggressive and resisted arrestcontinues the press release, which adds that the man provided a false name.

Upon learning the driver’s real name, the police discovered that he was the subject of several warrants issued in Quebec and Ontario. While searching his vehicle, officers found several weapons, including a conducted energy weapon.the statement said.

The driver, Jean-François D’Asti-Brideau, of Laval, was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a weapon in contravention of a interdiction, identity fraud, obstructing a peace officer and various traffic offences.

The investigation did not stop there. The investigation revealed that the passenger who was in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop was a victim of human trafficking and was being transported from Quebecsays the RCMP.

This type of crime is not always obvious. In this case, one of our Traffic Services officers, knowing what he needed to watch out for, saw some signs that this couple was not who they appeared to be, and then contacted us.says the sergeant of the Major Crimes Service of the RCMP in Manitoba, Morgan Page.

Mr. D’Asti-Brideau was arrested in Kamloops, British Columbia, and transported to Winnipeg.

He is charged with trafficking in persons, obtaining a material benefit from the provision of sexual services and procuring for the purpose of rendering sexual services.