Human traffickers are using artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology, to exploit and control their victims in London, says an anti-violence advocate. New tactics include tracking victims remotely and threatening to release pornographic photos and videos that may not be real, said Jessie Rodger who is the executive director of Anova in London.
“It’s not unusual to hear victims and survivors say that their phone or house is bugged and that they’re being surveilled or tracked,” said Rodger. Gender-based-violence workers have also heard about cases of “financial abuse,” which includes the perpetrator adding debt to a victim’s account, they said.
“These (tactics) all keep the abuser connected with the victim in some way,” they said. “It’s important to pay attention and to learn so we can keep up with how traffickers and perpetrators of violence are using new forms of technology control or violate the people that they’re abusing.”
The comments come amid concerns about sex trafficking in London. Earlier this month, police published the photo of a Scarborough man they’d arrested on human trafficking charges, saying they believe there may be additional victims in London.
In that case, London Police said they had been contacted by a woman who said she had been directed to provide sexual services to clients in multiple Ontario cities.
London has been called a “hub” for human trafficking because its location along Highway 401 between Detroit and Toronto makes it convenient to place and move women in and out of hotels. Police say perpetrators look for people who have specific traits and circumstances.
“They look for vulnerable people that are not happy in their current life or situation, offer them a better option, make it sound like they want to be friends and maybe a boyfriend situation and we call that a ‘Romeo Pimp’ where they buy them treats nice gifts, and take them on dates, which then transitions to the trafficking” said Det. Insp. Jennifer Noel with London Police Services.
Teens and young women especially should know there are people out there who may try to exploit them for sex trafficking, Noel said. “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, she said.
“Human Trafficking often takes place throughout Ontario, people who exploit women in trafficking move from city to city frequently, sometimes without consent.”
LPS also works with other Ontario services with an integrated joint forces team with help from the Ontario government to make sure the other services work together with the constant moving of human trafficking.
If you or someone you know who is struggling with violence, trauma, or need support, call ANOVA’s help line open 24/7 at 519-642-3000
