Alberta RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team investigation results in human trafficking charges

April 13, 2021
Calgary, Alberta

News release

An 18-month investigation conducted by the Alberta RCMP Federal Policing Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) has resulted in charges laid against a husband and wife. The investigation alleges that the two owners of a Calgary-based cleaning business recruited foreign nationals through Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker program, then took advantage of them upon their arrival in Canada for personal financial gain.

On April 1, 2021, IBET charged the two Calgary residents with the following offences:

Amelita Layco, 50, is charged with:

  • Two counts of Trafficking in Persons under s. 279.01 of the Criminal Code;
  • Two counts of Material Benefit – Trafficking under s. 279.02 of the Criminal Code; and
  • Fraud under s. 380 of the Criminal Code.

Macario Layco, 49, is charged with:

  • Two counts of Material Benefit – Trafficking under s. 279.02 of the Criminal Code

Amelita and Macario Layco are scheduled to appear in court on April 16, 2021 at the Calgary Provincial Courthouse.

Quotes:

"The victims involved in this case continue to receive support from the RCMP and Action Collation on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta. ACT Alberta is a non-profit organization that assists survivors of all forms of human trafficking throughout the province of Alberta. The longstanding relationship between the RCMP and ACT Alberta has proven to be a beneficial partnership in streamlining services for individuals experiencing this human rights violation. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing or suspected of being victim to sexual or labour exploitation, please call 587-585-5236 to reach an ACT Alberta Victim Response Coordinator, or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. If you see a crime in progress, please call 911."

– Insp. Germain Leger, Operations Officer, Alberta RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime South

IBET is an integrated federal policing unit based out of Calgary and Edmonton that contributes to maintaining Canada's safety and security including the land and air border domains in Alberta. Their mandate is to enhance border integrity and security along the shared border, between designated ports of entry, by identifying, investigating and interdicting persons, organizations and goods that are involved in criminal activities. The unit is comprised of members of the Alberta RCMP, Canada Border Enforcement Agency and Calgary Police Service.

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Contact information

Alberta RCMP Media Relations
780-509-3970

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