A West Vancouver woman who made international headlines when she was charged and subsequently pardoned of human trafficking is suing the federal and provincial governments for financial losses and damages to her family’s reputation.
Mumtaz Ladha launched the lawsuit against the RCMP, alleging that they conducted a negligent investigation resulting in criminal charges. According to filed court documents, the RCMP failed to contact or interview individuals who would give evidence that contradicted the complainant’s testimony, purposely omitted facts helpful to the defense and failed to acknowledge the complainant’s motive for lying to stay in Canada.
Ladha is also seeking damages from B.C.'s civil forfeiture, after it filed a claim against the family’s West Vancouver home, then worth $3-million, which froze their main asset when they needed money to hire the defense.
Ladha’s accuser — a young mother from Africa whose name is protected by a court order — told RCMP that Ladha brought her to Canada to be a housekeeper.
She alleges that Ladha forced her into domestic slavery, working up to 22 hours a day, seven days a week, without pay.
The story quickly gained worldwide media attention, as police further explained the depravity of the women’s living conditions, saying she was starved and forbidden from contacting her family in Tanzania.
Ladha's lawyer David Martin said the RCMP sensationalized the laying of criminal charges during a May 17, 2011 news conference.
Then, on November 22, 2013, following a 22-day trial that captivated headlines, a BC Supreme Court judge dropped all charges against Mumtaz Ladha.
Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon stated that she was convinced the accuser was lying and had taken advantage of Ladha’s generosity and then took advantage of an opportunity to remain in this country.
Evidence at trial showed the complainant learned in June 2009 that she could remain in Canada under a temporary resident permit (TRP) if she claimed she was a victim of human trafficking.