Between July 2022 and February 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Counter Exploitation Unit (CEU) conducted a lengthy investigation in response to online advertisements for massage services.
Investigators believed a number of victims (survivors) in their twenties were recruited to provide sexual services through these online advertisements in apartment suites which were rented for this purpose. Although the survivors were promised income for their services, the portion of the money they received was minimal compared to what was charged for the services.
On February 8, 2023, members of CEU, with the assistance of the Tactical Support Team and Community Support Units, executed search warrants at a residence in the Elmwood neighbourhood and three apartment suites throughout the city.
As a result of the investigation, a female was taken into custody, and the following items were seized:
- $1,994 in Canadian currency
- two laptops, six cellphones
- two safes
- menus listing sexual services and schedules
- cryptocurrency wallet
- .5 grams of cocaine (estimated street value of $40)
31-year-old Katelyn Dawn PROST of Winnipeg was charged with the following offences:
- Procuring Person to Provide Sexual Services x 3
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Advertising Sexual Services
- Possession of Scheduled Substance - Cocaine
She was released on a Release Order as mandated by the Criminal Code.
Anyone with information or who wishes to speak to an investigator about crimes related to sexual exploitation is encouraged to contact the Counter Exploitation Unit at 204-986-3464 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).