Trial underway in human trafficking case
Trial underway in human trafficking case
A human trafficking case involving two B.C. men and a London, Ont. woman began Tuesday with one of the accused choosing to plead guilty.
Meaz Nour-Eldin, 25, who went by the nickname “Streets” pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in persons for exploitation.
However, a trial began for the other two, Elkan Vyizigaro, 25 — also known by the street name “Lavish” — pleaded not guilty to seven human trafficking related charges, while Jamie Ryckman, 26, pleaded not guilty to two similar counts.
When testimony began, the female victim who cannot be identified told the court how she was drawn into the sex trade in fall 2019.
She said, “I was not committed to be a part of this at all.” The woman testified that over time the situation turned fearful with Streets and Lavish, telling the court, “I had received threats...They were threatening to break my jaw.”
She said after her first sexual encounter, she was supposed to receive half of the cash but said, “He [Streets] said, ‘Give me all of the money right now.’”
While giving evidence the woman at the centre of the case was in another room and appeared by video in court. Throughout her testimony she appeared calm, and her evidence resumes on Wednesday.
The trial is slated to last two weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE | Trump was told protesters had weapons on Jan. 6: former aide
Cassidy Hutchinson, a key aide in Donald Trump's White House, told the House committee investigating the violent Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on Tuesday that Trump was informed that people rallying on the mall that morning had weapons but he told officials to 'let my people in' and march to the Capitol.

BREAKING | Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison
Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison for helping millionaire Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse teen girls.
Risk of shingles rises after COVID-19 infection: study
Adults over 50 who have had COVID-19 are more likely to experience a shingles outbreak, according to a study published in May.
Scotiabank pausing Hockey Canada sponsorship in wake of sex assault allegations
Scotiabank is putting its Hockey Canada sponsorship on ice. The financial institution said Tuesday the pause will last until it's confident the right steps are taken to improve the culture within the sport.
Canada has been without an ambassador to China for 6 months. What's the holdup?
At a time of enhanced global uncertainty and growing Chinese influence, the Canadian government faces mounting pressure to appoint a diplomatic representative in Beijing after the post has sat vacant for six months.
Airbnb party ban now permanent after pilot saw gatherings in Canada nearly halved
Airbnb has codified a global policy that prohibits guests from hosting parties or events on all listed properties.
Trudeau defends military spending ahead of NATO summit as new report projects decline
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending Canadian military spending after a new NATO report this week showed Canada heading in the wrong direction.
Ottawa convoy organizer Tamara Lich arrested in Alberta for alleged breach of bail conditions
Tamara Lich, one of the organizers of the Freedom Convoy, has been arrested in Alberta for alleged breach of bail conditions, CTV News has learned.
Canadians open their doors to Americans seeking abortions
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade opening the door to abortion bans in the U.S., Canadian Tiktokers are welcoming Americans who are considering travelling north of the border to get an abortion.