A prostitution ring in Delta has been shut down, and police are seeking to speak with any females who may have been victimized.

In May 2017, the Delta Police Department received information about a North Delta residence and individuals, some of whom were suggested to be possibly underage, who were alleged to be involved in prostitution. The prostitution operation had been advertised on social media.

After investigators identified a female teenager who was involved, they removed her and was placed under the care of the Ministry of Children and Family and a guardian.  

Three victims in total were identified, and two of them were underage.

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

The investigation concluded in December 2017.

A former Delta resident, 35-year-old Mohammed Sharif Begg of Coquitlam, was arrested on October 3 and faces six prostitution and human-trafficking charges and one charge of assault. Begg made his first court appearance on October 3.

Another individual was also identified as a perpetrator in the prostitution ring but died in an unrelated incident prior to charges being approved.

Anyone with information or who may have been victimized is asked to contact Delta Police at 604-946-4411 or, for those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.