The BC Counter Human Trafficking Unit and Richmond RCMP have made multiple arrests that they say will deter predators looking to purchase sex from potential trafficking victims.

But a criminologist who specializes in sex work laws and an organization that supports sex workers — some of whom have been trafficked themselves — say police operations like this actually make sex work more dangerous and make it less likely that someone who is being trafficked will speak with police.

On March 17 the RCMP put out a press release saying it had completed a one-day operation in which officers posed as sex workers online, spoke with more than 100 people and made multiple arrests when potential clients showed up. All individuals were released pending further investigation.

The BC Prosecution Service told The Tyee that at this time no charges have been laid.