Alleged labour trafficking operation uncovered at Manitoba hotel

A five-month RCMP investigation has led to human trafficking charges against two hotel owners—Jai Inder Sandhu and Satbir Sandhu—in rural Manitoba.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

A five-month RCMP investigation has led to human trafficking charges against two hotel owners—Jai Inder Sandhu and Satbir Sandhu—in rural Manitoba following allegations that foreign workers were exploited and threatened after being recruited under the promise of legal employment.

Mounties say the investigation began on February 9, 2025, when officers responded to a disturbance at a hotel in Portage la Prairie.

During the initial response, police received a complaint alleging labour trafficking at the same establishment.

Two female victims initially came forward to officers with concerns. As the investigation progressed, two additional victims were identified — all of whom were hotel employees.

Investigators with the RCMP’s Human Trafficking Unit allege the victims were recruited from another country with assurances of legal work, fair wages, and affordable housing in Manitoba under a federal Labour Market Impact Assessment program.

However, police say the individuals were forced to work 15-hour days and were paid well below minimum wage.

Some victims reported having their identification documents withheld, and all four were allegedly threatened with deportation or subjected to other forms of intimidation.

Mounties say LMIA agreements were eventually provided for three of the four victims, leaving one without legal work status.

On June 12, 2025, a 62-year-old man, Jai Inder Sandhu, who is listed as a hotel owner, was arrested and charged with four counts of human trafficking, along with several additional offences.

Additionally, Satbir Sandhu, 48—also identified as one of the hotel owners—was charged with multiple counts of human trafficking and material benefit of trafficking.

“Our goal from the outset was to help these victims of labour trafficking. They all came to Canada in good faith, believing they were going to work legally and be protected. Instead, they were threatened and forced to work for very little pay,” said Sgt. Cathy Farrell with the RCMP’s Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit.

“We remain committed to helping these victims and all others within the province who are being trafficked.”

The investigation is ongoing.