Accused Man Vehemently Denies Exploiting Restaurant Worker in High-Stakes Saskatchewan Trafficking Trial

A Saskatoon courtroom recently heard fervent denials from a man accused in a significant human trafficking trial. Jovenal Azucena, facing charges of human trafficking, exploitation, and providing false information on immigration documents, took the stand in his own defense, refuting claims that he exploited a Filipino restaurant worker.

During his testimony, Azucena painted a picture of assistance and friendship, asserting that the individual in question was not a victim but a friend he had helped.

He told the Court of King's Bench that he offered the worker support after the individual arrived in Canada with no job, having come to join his sister. Azucena stated he helped the worker find employment and accommodation, countering the prosecution's narrative.

The Crown's case alleges a starkly different reality, contending that Azucena exploited the worker by forcing them into grueling 12-hour shifts, six to seven days a week, for wages significantly below the minimum threshold – reportedly as low as $10 an hour, paid in cash.

Furthermore, the prosecution claims the worker was isolated and controlled, unable to leave the exploitative situation due to fear and lack of resources.

However, Azucena presented a defense that aimed to dismantle these allegations. He testified that the worker maintained full control over his own bank account and made the conscious decision to live with Azucena to save money.

This detail, he suggested, undermined the prosecution's claims of financial and personal control.

The worker had previously given emotional testimony, describing long, arduous hours and feeling trapped, too scared to escape. The defense, in turn, argued that this testimony might be a fabrication, potentially motivated by a civil lawsuit or an attempt to secure a new work permit.

The implication being that the worker had an ulterior motive to create a narrative of exploitation.

This ongoing trial in Saskatoon's Court of King's Bench continues to unravel, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. The outcome will not only determine the fate of Jovenal Azucena but also send a powerful message regarding the protection of vulnerable workers and the enforcement of human trafficking laws in Saskatchewan.