Ottawa police have arrested and charged a man following a sexual assault investigation involving an alleged ruse targeting international post-secondary students.
An investigation began last October into a man who police claim approaches students with an offer to help them with their immigration process.
Brice Piyau, 47, was arrested Wednesday. He is charged with sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault with threats, forcible confinement and fraud under $5,000.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Ottawa Police declined a request for an on-camera interview Thursday and would not say where the alleged offences occurred or any other information “as it would violate the privacy rights of the victim and possibly jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.”
About 20,000 international students study at Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions.
The president of the University of Ottawa International Students Association says he was concerned upon learning of the allegations.
Adjmal Younoussa says changes to Canada’s international student program is exposing broader vulnerabilities.
He’s urging international students to remain vigilant and is calling on all levels of government to provide more resources and funding to organizations and small businesses dedicated to supporting students' immigration processes.
“It’s not easy to try to see who is trustworthy or not when you’re in distress or you’re looking for help but try as much as you can to make sure that the people or organizations you’re seeking help from, that they are legit,” Younoussa said.
The Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA) called the allegations “greatly alarming.”
“They demonstrate why International Students need attentive support from organizations such as ours and their educational institutions,” said Artur Estrela da Silva, vice president of student issues. He said CUSA has published a welcome guide for international students outlining “all necessary information an international student needs to know as they move to Ottawa and Canada.”
Ottawa police believe there could be other victims and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944.
Tips may also be sent electronically to SACA@ottawapolice.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).
“We acknowledge that making these types of reports can be difficult,” police said in a news release Thursday. “The Ottawa Police would like to reassure anyone wishing to make a report that we take all of these crimes very seriously and have supports available.”
