In April 2025, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Sex Crimes Unit and the Counter Exploitation Unit began an investigation regarding incidents involving women working in the sex trade. A lengthy investigation resulted in the arrest a man for a number of violent sexual assaults.
On April 25, 2025, a man communicated and arranged to meet a woman, working in the sex trade, in the 1400 block of St. Matthews Avenue. The woman was sexually assaulted with a weapon and the man fled the area. Police were contacted and entered into an investigation. The woman was transported to the hospital for treatment. The suspect was not identified.
On May 10, 2025, a man communicated and arranged to meet with a woman, working in the sex trade, in the 300 block of Hargrave Street. She was seriously sexually assaulted and robbed of her cell phone at knife point. The suspect fled the area. Police were contacted and the victim was transported to the hospital for treatment. Through investigation, a suspect was identified.
On October 4, 2025, a man contacted and arranged to meet a woman, working in the sex trade, in the 1700 block Sargent Avenue. The woman was sexually assaulted and the man fled the area. Police were contacted and the victim was transported to the hospital for treatment.
On October 13, 2025, the Sex Crimes Unit attended to a commercial business in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and arrested the suspect for the assaults in April and May and he was detained in custody.
Mohammed AL-SAMRAEI, (19) was charged with the following:
- Sexual Assault with a Weapon x 2
- Pointing a Firearm
- Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition x 2
- Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon Firearm Part or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
- Assault
- Overcome Resistance by Attempting to Choke, Suffocate or Strangle Another Person
- Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm
- Theft Under $5,000
Further investigation revealed that AL-SAMRAEI was linked to the October 4th assault.
On October 19, 2025, the Counter Exploitation Unit attended the Winnipeg Remand Centre and arrested AL-SAMRAEI on a warrant for Sexual Assault.
He remains in custody.
The Counter Exploitation Unit requests that anyone who may also have been victim to similar incidences please contact the unit at 204-986-3464 or
wps-ceu@winnipeg.ca, or for immediate assistance call 911.
The Winnipeg Police Service stands by our commitment for public safety and encourages any citizen who has experienced physical or sexual violence to come forward to Police and the report will be fully investigated.