The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested two Oakville men after a labour trafficking investigation.

In March 2025, police received a report that three adult male Mexican nationals employed at August 8 Sushi Restaurant, located at 280 North Service Road West in Oakville, were being exploited through deception and coercion in connection with their work.

Investigators carried out search warrants at August 8 Sushi Restaurant and at two residences in Oakville. Inside the homes, individuals were found living in cramped, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions. The victims were subjected to control that left them feeling powerless and dependent, with violations extending to their sexual integrity. Several items were seized during the execution of these warrants and additional victims came forward to police.

As a result of the investigation, on June 11, 2025, August 8 franchise owner Rong Xi Yu (46), of Oakville was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Trafficking in Persons (3 Counts)
  • Receive Material Benefit (3 Counts)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000
  • Unauthorized Employment of Foreign National – Immigration Refugee Protection Act (6 Counts)

On June 11, 2025, August 8 head chef Wenjun Li (27), of Oakville was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Trafficking in Persons (3 Counts)
  • Receive Material Benefit (3 Counts)
  • Withhold or Destroy Identity Documents (3 Counts)
  • Sexual Assault (3 Counts)
  • Unauthorized Employment of Foreign National - Immigration Refugee Protection Act (6 Counts)

Both Rong Xi Yu and Wenjun Li have been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

Police believe there may be additional victims and are requesting anyone who may have information to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

The HRPS would like to thank the Peel Regional Police Vice Unit, Canada Border Services Agency, Ministry of Labour, FCJ Refugee Centre, Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS), Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel Halton (EFRY), and the  Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) for their collaboration and support during this investigation.

The HRPS receives provincial funding and is part of the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS). The IJFS is committed to combatting human trafficking through intelligence gathering and working cooperatively with law enforcement and community partners to support victims and enforcement efforts. Integrated resources, the sharing of information, a victim-centred approach, and community partnerships are critical to law enforcement’s effective response to this kind of crime.

What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking can include recruiting, harbouring or controlling a person's movements using force, physical or psychological coercion, or deception. Traffickers often make victims do labour (e.g., domestic, physical, and manual labour) or sexual services.

How does trafficking impact a victim?

Every stage of the trafficking process can involve physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and violence, deprivation and torture, the forced use of substances, manipulation, economic exploitation, and abusive working and living conditions (Source: United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, 2008). 

Victims of human trafficking can experience devastating psychological effects during and after their trafficking experience. Many survivors may end up experiencing post-traumatic stress, difficulty in relationships, depression, memory loss, anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, and other severe forms of mental trauma.

What should I do if I think someone is a victim of trafficking?

If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, we urge you to call 9-1-1. You may also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

The Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking

The Halton Regional Police Service is a member of the Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking along with several other stakeholders and agencies. This Collaborative is dedicated towards providing services and support to those who have experienced Human Trafficking in Halton and surrounding regions

Where can a victim or survivor turn for support?

The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in Halton Region for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:

Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777

Nina's Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880

Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)

Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)

THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256

Efry (Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel Halton) 905-459-1315

Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca