The Winnipeg Police Service's Counter Exploitation Unit (CEU) is committed to the protection of those involved in the sex trade and dedicated to holding exploitive offenders accountable.
In early October 2024, the Counter Exploitation Unit entered into an investigation after a female in her 20s (the survivor) reported being in a coercive relationship. The survivor reported being groomed by an adult female who was known to her. The survivor was initially provided gifts from this female including clothing, jewellery and drugs.
Between September 2023 and October 2024, the female insisted the survivor pay back these gifts by working as an escort. The female set up meetings using online advertisements arranging for the survivor to provide sexual services for money. The female took all of the proceeds that were received by the survivor.
On November 4, 2024, a 34-year-old female, Michelle Victoria COMBER of Winnipeg was charged with the following offences:
- Procuring Person to Provide Sexual Services
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Trafficking in Persons
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order
She was detained in custody.
Anyone with information or wishing to speak to an investigator about crimes related to procuring sexual services is encouraged to contact the Counter Exploitation Unit at 204-986-3464 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).
The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to providing support to survivors of sexual assault. Resources include WPS Victim Services at 204-986-6350 and the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631.