Mohammed Sharif Begg, 35, of Coquitlam charged in prostitution and human trafficking operation

 

Delta Police Department Chief Neil Dubord

MOHAMMED Sharif Begg, 35, of Coquitlam, a former Delta resident now, was arrested on Wednesday (October 3) and is facing seven charges in relation to human trafficking and prostitution. Delta Police believe he may have victimized other woman or teen girls, and they are encouraging them to come forward.

In May 2017, the Delta Police Department received information from a member of the public who identified a residence and individuals in North Delta who were allegedly involved in prostitution. The information provided indicated that the women involved may be under-aged. The prostitution operation was advertised via social media sites.

As the investigation progressed, police identified a teen girl involved, and removed her from further harm by ensuring she was brought into the care of the Ministry of Children and Family, and a guardian. Delta Police carried on with the investigation to identify other victims and the leaders of the prostitution operation. In total, three victims were identified, two of whom were underage.

“We are concerned that there may be other victims who were caught up in this prostitution operation. It appears that women or teen girls were being transported between the Metro Vancouver area and Calgary,” said Staff-Sgt. Heath Newton, with Delta Police Investigations Bureau. “We are encouraging any other victims, or people with further information to contact us.”

As a result of the investigation, which concluded in December 2017, Crown Counsel approved six prostitution and human trafficking-related charges, and one charge of assault against Begg. Another individual was also identified as a perpetrator in the prostitution ring, but died due to an unrelated incident prior to charge approval.

Begg made his first court appearance on October 3.

“Our job is to protect the public, especially those who are more vulnerable, whether that’s because of age, circumstance or lifestyle,” said Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord. “The allegations brought forward to us were extremely concerning, and our investigators acted as quickly as they could to shut the scheme down, and remove one of the victims to safety.”

Anyone with further information, or who may have been victimized in this scheme, is asked to contact Delta Police at 604-946-4411 or they may contact Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous call 1-800-222-8477.