Project Harwich : The Effects of Cogent Strategization
Police forces across Ontario have recently introduced a new human trafficking strategy: the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS). The development of IJFS is a part of the province’s five-year anti-human trafficking plan. Since its launch in 2020, the provincial authorities have improved in their precision, making over 50 charges following the strategy’s execution. One case in particular stands out as a result of this: Project Harwich.
A phone call was made to Barrie police in January 2021 in which a woman reported that she was being trafficked. Soon after, several other women came forward with the same allegations leading to the start of an investigation supported by the IJFS. It was found that women in Barrie were being trafficked out of hotels in the area. After two executed search warrants in May 2021, two suspects were arrested in May and November, respectively. Shawn Cromwell, 37, of Barrie and Rami David Madini, 32, of Quebec have both been charged. The charges include sexual assault, failure to comply with undertaking, failure to comply with probation, trafficking in persons, and assault causing bodily harm.
This investigation revealed the complexity of human trafficking operations in relation to local hotels and 400-series highways. Barrie Police Chief Kimberly Greenwood also mentioned that Barrie’s proximity to Highway 400 is a cause for concern as it equips traffickers to easily commute through the country.
“We find the 400-series of highways are a way in which victims can be transported quickly throughout the province and the country,” said Greenwood. “Also, we are a gateway to the north and we have traffickers travelling with their victims from the GTA to the northern areas.”
Greenwood added on by saying “The work that has been done and the work that is yet to be done by the participating partner agencies will not only disrupt and dismantle human trafficking organizations, but they will rescue those that have been trapped in this oppressive lifestyle.”
Sources: BarrieToday, CP24, Simcoe