By Justin Goulet

Calgary couple faces human trafficking charges involving foreign nationals

Apr 13, 2021 | 8:45 AM

CALGARY, AB – A husband and wife are charged in relation to a human trafficking investigation.

The charges come as a result of an 18-month investigation by the Alberta RCMP Federal Policing Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET).

It’s alleged 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 the country for personal financial gain. The two Calgary residents were charged on April 1.

50-year-old Amelita Layco is charged with:

• Two counts of Trafficking in Persons under section 279.01 of the Criminal Code
• Two counts of Material Benefit – Trafficking under section 279.02 of the Criminal Code
• Fraud under section 380 of the Criminal Code

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49-year-old Macario Layco is charged with:

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

In a release from the RCMP, Inspector Germain Leger said, “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.”

Amelita Layco and Macario Layco are both scheduled to appear in Calgary Provincial Court on April 16, 2021.