Oakville sushi restaurant owner, head chef accused of trafficking Mexican male workers
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Two Oakville men — a sushi restaurateur and his sushi chef — have been charged after a labour trafficking investigation by Halton Regional Police.
In March 2025, cops received a report that three adult male Mexican nationals working at August 8 Sushi Restaurant, at 280 North Service Rd. W. in Oakville, were being exploited through deception and coercion in connection with their work.
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Search warrants were executed at August 8 Sushi Restaurant and at two residences in Oakville and inside the homes, individuals were allegedly found living in cramped, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions.
It’s alleged the victims were subjected to control that left them feeling powerless and dependent with violations extending to sexual assault.
Several items were seized during the execution of these warrants and additional victims came forward to police.
On June 11, 2025, August 8 franchise owner Rong Xi Yu, 46, was arrested and charged with six counts of unauthorized employment of foreign national – Immigration Refugee Protection Act; three counts each of trafficking in persons and receive material benefit; and one count of possession of property obtained by crime – over $5000.
The same day August 8 franchise head chef Wenjun Li, 27, was charged with six counts of unauthorized employment of foreign national – Immigration Refugee Protection Act, and three counts each of trafficking in persons, receive material benefit, sexual assault, and withhold or destroy identify documents.
Police believe there may be additional victims and are requesting anyone who may have information to call police at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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