A Calgary man is facing human trafficking charges that eventually led him to Winnipeg. 

The Winnipeg Police Service says they were alerted by the Quebec Police Service late last week to check on the well-being of a woman who they believed to be a victim of human trafficking, staying in a short-term vacation rental in the 300 block of Hargrave Street. 

When they arrived at the rental, they found an 18-year-old female victim and a 24-year-old male suspect. The man was arrested without incident.

The Counter-Exploitation Unit assumed the investigation and learned the suspect had met the victim in a bar in Montréal in early January and manipulated her to believe they were involved in a romantic relationship.

Investigators quickly learned the suspect transported the victim to four cities in Ontario, working westward and eventually ending in Winnipeg. The victim could not leave hotel rooms or vacation rentals in each location as the suspect held her personal identification and cellular phone. On several occasions, the suspect physically assaulted the victim to prevent her from leaving.

Police say the victim worked for the suspect as an escort selling sexual services. The suspect went as far as to create and post social media ads of the victim offering those services. The suspect arranged meets between clients and the victim and collected money from the services provided.

Police say the victim worked for the suspect as an escort selling sexual services. The suspect went as far as to create and post social media ads of the victim offering those services. The suspect arranged meets between clients and the victim and collected money from the services provided.

Police were able to locate the victim and suspect after the victim contacted a friend in Quebec. 

24-year-old Malik Regele Marc of Calgary faces a long list of human trafficking-related offences. He remains in custody. 

The victim has since returned home to her family, where she is now receiving the care she needs.