A couple named Jai Inder Sandhu, 62, and Satbir Sandhu, 48, who own a hotel in the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, have been charged with human trafficking. Sgt. Cathy Farrell, of the Manitoba RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit, addressed the public at a news conference on Thursday, following a five-month investigation into suspected labour trafficking at a business in the municipality.
Jai Inder Sandhu was also charged with additional crimes, including withholding or destroying documents and uttering threats. While police did not name the hotel, CBC News confirmed that Jai Inder Sandhu is an owner of the Howard Johnson hotel.
The investigation began on February 9, 2025, when Portage la Prairie RCMP officers responded to a disturbance reported at a hotel in the community. During the initial investigation, two female victims came forward and reported possible labour trafficking at the establishment. As the investigation progressed, two more victims were identified who had also worked at the hotel.
Police found that the victims had been recruited from another country through Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) agreements, under which they were promised legal employment, fair wages, and affordable living conditions in Manitoba.
Contrary to these promises, the victims were made to work 15 hours a day and were underpaid. They were also threatened with deportation and subjected to intimidation tactics to keep them working. In one instance, a victim’s identification documents were withheld.
While LMIA agreements were legally fulfilled for three of the four employees, one was left without legal work status.
On June 12, 2025, hotel owner Jai Inder Sandhu was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit – Trafficking, Withholding/Destroying Documents, and Uttering Threats. Satbir Sandhu, his partner was charged with Trafficking in Persons and Material Benefit – Trafficking.
Sergeant Cathy Farrell said, “Our goal from the outset was to help these victims of labour trafficking. They all came to Canada in good faith, believing they were going to work legally and be protected. Instead, they were threatened and forced to work for very little pay.” he added “We remain committed to helping these victims and all others within the province who are being trafficked.” Rh/VP
