Charges withdrawn in trafficking case against Oakville resident

UPDATED JULY 7, 2021

Charges have been withdrawn against an Oakville resident accused of bringing a woman to Canada under false pretenses.

In early February, police received information that a woman was targeted and fraudulently brought to Canada from Cyprus under the premise of a high-paying job and the opportunity to become a permanent resident.

The victim worked as a live-in nanny and caregiver at a home in Oakville.

Police alleged during her time in the country, she was threatened, assaulted, and exploited.

A 52-year-old woman was charged with trafficking in persons, receive material benefit, fraud over $5,000, utter threats to cause death, and assault. However, those charges were withdrawn on March 31. According to a letter from the woman’s lawyer, the charges were withdrawn after “voluminous evidence” was given to the Crown.

“Once we were able to have detailed disclosure from the Crown and then work with our client, we provided the Crown with voluminous evidence including the fact that the complainant was brought to Canada under the caregiver program with proper legal process. There was NO merit to the Crown’s case,” states the letter.