Human Trafficking Charges
Victoria Police Charge Two Men in Alleged Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault Case
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Key Points
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The alleged assault occurred at a private residence in the 1100 block of Meares Street in Victoria.
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Timeline details indicate one man drove the woman from Nanaimo to Victoria on June 19, where she was introduced to a second man who allegedly sexually assaulted her multiple times and refused to let her leave; she returned to Nanaimo on June 20 to report.
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Public officials emphasized transparency and that investigators are continuing to conduct a thorough investigation, with limited details being shared publicly.
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Context on trafficking in persons: The Criminal Code defines trafficking as recruitment, transportation, harbouring or control of movement for exploitation, typically for sexual exploitation or forced labour, which underpins the charges in this case.
Victoria police arrested two men on June 21 after a young woman was driven 110 kilometres from Nanaimo to a Victoria residence, allegedly sexually assaulted multiple times, and prevented from leaving, according to CBC. Rahul Chahar, 24, faces charges of sexual assault causing bodily harm, unlawful confinement, and attempting to choke to overcome resistance. Nagender Nagender, 22, is charged with trafficking in persons. Both men remain in custody ahead of a July 2 court appearance.
The victim, described only as a young adult female, managed to return to Nanaimo on June 20 and reported the incident to Nanaimo RCMP, who transferred the case to Victoria Police, Richmond News reported. VicPD Deputy Chief Jamie McRae praised the victim's "courage" and said the investigation is "thorough, careful, and trauma-informed."
How the Alleged Trafficking Unfolded Over 24 Hours
On June 19, Nagender Nagender allegedly drove the woman from Nanaimo to a home in the 1100 block of Meares Street in Victoria, according to CBC. There, she was introduced to Rahul Chahar. Over the following hours, Chahar allegedly assaulted her multiple times and refused to let her leave the residence.
The woman returned to Nanaimo on June 20. That afternoon or evening, she contacted Nanaimo RCMP. Because the crimes occurred in Victoria, Nanaimo officers handed the file to VicPD. Within roughly 24 hours, Victoria investigators located and arrested both men, Richmond News reported.
Choking Charge Signals Extreme Danger to Victim
The charge of "attempting to choke to overcome resistance" stands out among the counts against Chahar. Under Canada's Criminal Code, this charge is treated as a high-risk indicator of potential lethality in violent and sexual assault cases. It means the accused allegedly used physical force around the victim's neck to stop her from fighting back or escaping.
Chahar also faces unlawful confinement, meaning he allegedly prevented the woman from leaving the Meares Street address. Together, the three charges against him paint a picture of both physical violence and total control of the victim, according to NS News.
Trafficking Charge Targets the Transportation Role
Nagender Nagender's single charge — trafficking in persons — reflects his alleged role as the person who moved the victim. Under Canada's Criminal Code, trafficking does not require crossing international borders. It covers recruiting, transporting, or harbouring someone for exploitation. The 110-kilometre drive from Nanaimo to Victoria fits that definition, Airdrie City View reported.
Advocates have long flagged the Nanaimo-to-Victoria corridor as a concern on Vancouver Island. Traffickers use that route to move victims away from their support networks and into unfamiliar environments. Statistics Canada data shows police reported 5,070 human trafficking incidents across Canada between 2014 and 2024 — a 300 percent rise over that decade, with 93 percent of victims being women or girls.
What Comes Next for the Case and for Victims
Both men are scheduled to appear in court on July 2. Legal analysts expect the Crown to argue against bail, given the severity of the charges — particularly the bodily harm and choking allegations. VicPD's official file number is 26-25036, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward, according to St. Albert Gazette.
Officials have also stressed that support is available for anyone affected by abuse, exploitation, or human trafficking. Deputy Chief McRae noted publicly that "hearing about this kind of file in our community can affect people's sense of safety and well-being." The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline offers confidential help around the clock for survivors seeking resources.
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