Vancouver Influencer Charged Following Human-Trafficking Investigation

A Vancouver-based social media influencer is facing multiple criminal charges following a months-long human-trafficking investigation led by RCMP in British Columbia.

Police say the investigation began in May of last year after allegations surfaced that a victim had been trafficked throughout the Lower Mainland and the Greater Toronto Area.

On Feb. 20, the B.C. Prosecution Service approved six charges against Tevin Douglas, 31, including:

• trafficking in persons;

• procuring a person to provide sexual services;

• material benefit from trafficking;

• material benefit from sexual services;

• advertising sexual services;

• and sexual assault.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between July 1 and Dec. 1, 2023.

With assistance from Vancouver Police, Burnaby RCMP and B.C.’s anti-gang enforcement agency, investigators arrested Douglas at his Vancouver residence. Police say a search warrant was executed at the home at the time of arrest.

Douglas was released by the court on Feb. 24 under a number of conditions. Details of those conditions were not immediately disclosed.

Call for information

Insp. Lyndsay O’Ruairc of the B.C. Counter Human Trafficking Unit said investigators believe additional witnesses or individuals with relevant information may not yet have spoken to police.

“Investigators believe there are individuals with additional information who have not yet come forward,” O’Ruairc said.

Police are encouraging anyone with information related to the investigation to contact their local police department.

Legal process underway

The charges have not been tested in court. As with all criminal proceedings, the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Human-trafficking investigations often involve multiple jurisdictions and agencies, particularly when alleged offences span provincial boundaries.

Court proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months.