Mounties investigate teen girls being taken to US for marriage

The RCMP is currently investigating the alleged and unlawful removal of young girls between the ages of 12 and 17 years old from Canada to the US for the purpose of marriage.

Since February 2011, investigators with the Creston RCMP and “E” Div Major Crime Unit have been investigating the allegations of the removal of upwards 30 young girls between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, from a religious sect community in Bountiful BC, to the US for the purpose of marriage. The information being examined by investigators also included allegations that girls under the age of 18 were being removed from the US and transported to Canada.

“The investigation deals with historical allegations that may have occurred in the late 90’s to early 2000’s , as late as 2005 early 2006. RCMP investigators are not aware of any more recent or any ongoing incidents were young girls are currently being victimized. The investigation is advancing and the RCMP anticipates sending investigators state side to Texas in the future.” stated Cpl Dan Moskaluk

At this time the RCMP Creston RCMP and Major Crime Unit continues to liaise with Canadian and US agencies on this matter, which include state agencies in Texas and the Office of the Attorney General of British Columbia.