Over 50 new charges laid in human trafficking investigation; more victims sought

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 26, 2025  11:38 a.m.

(Ottawa) — As part of an ongoing investigation initially announced in March of 2025, the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit has laid further charges against Anthony BADIBANGA-MUKENDI, 27-years-old, following the identification of new victims.

Since the initial media release, investigators have continued to receive information from the public in Ottawa and other cities across Canada, resulting in several new individuals coming forward. As a result, over 50 additional charges have now been laid against the accused.

We commend the courage of victims who have come forward and contributed vital information to this investigation. Detectives from the Human Trafficking Unit believe that there may be more individuals who have yet to speak with police.

Since victims may not be aware of their offender’s legal name, and the accused, Mr. BADIBANGA-MUKENDI, is alleged to have used the following aliases:

• Marty
• Anton
• Tony
• Jay
• Tighten Tones
• Tones

The Ottawa Police Service is taking the extra step of publicly releasing his photo. Additionally, investigators have determined that Mr. BADIBANGA-MUKENDI has travelled across Canada and has allegedly been involved in human trafficking for several years. Detectives wish to highlight that in addition to allegations related to Human Trafficking offences, Mr. BADIBANGA-MUKENDI is also alleged to have perpetrated acts of intimate partner violence, fraud and other criminal offences.

The Ottawa Police Service respects victims’ decisions regarding whether to pursue criminal charges and can provide support resources regardless of their choice. We remain committed to ensuring a thorough and compassionate investigative process and to supporting all victims through. Reporting these incidents is crucial in helping investigators identify suspects and track crime trends. 

Anyone with information about this individual is urged to contact the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222 ext. 5625 or email [email protected]. 

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting crimestoppers.ca. 

If you or someone you know is caught up in the vicious cycle of human trafficking and needs help, please call us. We can help.

[email protected]

1-800-292-1168

613-236-1222, extension 5005

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:        

Media Relations

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 20, 2025        11:20 a.m.

Man charged following human trafficking investigation; police seeking other victims, photo released

(Ottawa) — This week, the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) has charged a man in relation to human trafficking and other related charges. The investigation began in March 2025 with offences dating back multiple years.

Anthony BADIBANGA-MUKENDI, 27 years old, of Ottawa is charged with:

• Trafficking in Persons by exercising control
• Material benefit in trafficking
• Material benefit from sexual services
• Procuring
• Uttering threats
• Assault, Assault with a weapon and Assault Causing Bodily Harm
• Forcible confinement
• Mischief to property
• Advertising another person’s sexual services
• Withhold travel or identity document trafficking a person over
• Publishing an intimate image

BADIBANGA-MUKENDI appeared in court on March 14^th and he was remanded into custody.

HTU investigators believe that there are other victims of human trafficking related to this investigation. Considering victims may not know the legal name of their offender, and the fact that BADIBANGA-MUKENDI is alleged to have used the aliases of ‘Marty’, ‘Anton’ and ‘Tony’ the Ottawa Police is taking the extra step of publicly releasing a photo of the accused. Additionally, investigators have determined that BADIBANGA-MUKENDI has traveled across Canada and has been involved in human trafficking for several years.

The Human Trafficking Unit will respect victims’ wishes whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking. The reporting of these incidents by victims to police is key for investigators to identify suspects and determine crime trends.

Anyone with information regarding incidents involving this individual is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222, extension 5625, or email [email protected].

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366