July 30,2025
RED FM News Desk
The B.C. government has announced the launch of a new specialized police unit focused on tackling human trafficking across the province.
Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Nina Krieger made the announcement on July 30—World Day Against Trafficking in Persons—alongside the RCMP. She said the new Counter Human Trafficking Unit (CHTU) will boost efforts to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking crimes, while also strengthening victim support and disrupting organized crime groups involved in these offenses.
“Human trafficking happens in communities throughout B.C., and everyone has a role to play in preventing these horrific crimes,” said Krieger. “This new unit represents a major step in helping police better identify and support victims, and in gathering strong evidence to hold perpetrators accountable.”
Krieger noted that 43 human trafficking cases were reported in B.C. in 2023, though many more are believed to have gone unreported or undetected. She referenced a recent case in Langley, where a woman pleaded guilty to several charges including human trafficking after her 2023 arrest, and praised the local RCMP for acting swiftly. “Even one case is too many,” she said. “Our job is to make sure law enforcement has the tools it needs to tackle this crime.”
BC RCMP Chief Superintendent Elijah Rain emphasized that human trafficking is a complex and largely hidden crime, requiring specialized knowledge and resources. “From public education to investigation and prosecution, and through collaboration with police and community partners, this new dedicated unit will strengthen our province-wide response to human trafficking,” he said.
The CTHU will consist of 12 officers divided into two teams. One team will focus on educating police across B.C. to raise essential awareness, while the second team will focus on investigations.
Krieger clarified that the province’s response does not target individuals involved in consensual sex work: “Our efforts are focused on preventing exploitation, not criminalizing personal choice.”
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