RCMP officer charged with human trafficking

A 44-year-old RCMP officer in Georgina, Ont., has been charged with human trafficking and animal cruelty offences.

The RCMP say the constable was arrested and suspended with pay.

“At this time, Const. Mane Monter has been suspended with pay. His duty status will be continually assessed and an internal Code of Conduct investigation remains active and on-going,” the RCMP said in a statement.

York Regional Police say they started investigating last month after an alleged victim reported being brought from Mexico to Georgina, Ont., for employment. They say the victim was made to work caring

As a police service, we work diligently to investigate instances of human trafficking and bring the offenders to justice.

for animals under poor working conditions.

Police arrested Israel Yahsif Mane Monter on May 3 and charged him with trafficking of persons, forgery, cruelty to animals and possession of a prohibited device.

The RCMP said Const. Mane Monter is a member of the RCMP's Toronto North Transnational Organized Crime unit, and they are co-operating with the investigation.

“These allegations are serious and difficult to comprehend,” the RCMP said in a separate statement. “As a police service, we work diligently to investigate instances of human trafficking and bring the offenders to justice.”

In 2015, Canada's embassy in Mexico celebrated a Mexican-born RCMP officer with a similar name. “Meet Mexican Yahsif Israel Mane Montero, who is part of the Ceremonial Guard in Canada.”

RCMP did not immediately confirm if that was the same officer.