Over the weekend, Derek Bissue, the 22-year-old Toronto rapper who performs under the name Derek Wise, was arrested and charged by Toronto police in an ongoing human trafficking case. Vice Canada broke the story yesterday after allegations were brought forward by a 21-year-old woman who claims that Bissue forced her into the sex trade. He was reportedly arrested after "an attempt to take her money resulted in police intervention." Investigators believe that there may be more victims.
Bissue, who is part of Toronto's Get Home Safe crew and has also been affiliated with XO (as Vice reports, up until yesterday afternoon, he had XO and Get Home Safe in his Twitter bio), garnered buzz this year. Bissue has released a slew of singles and videos over the last year, including his video for "Kenzo," which has over 30,000 views.
He has reportedly been charged with 12 crimes including trafficking in persons and for material benefit, to uttering threats, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, and robbery, among others. According to the Toronto Police website, Bissue has already made his first court appearance and is now awaiting trail. We confirmed with the Toronto Police that he has been formally charged, as well. Back in June, the Alliance Against Modern Slavery published a 50-page report in which they named Toronto as the "Most Common Destination" for human trafficking in all of Ontario.
Bissue's management released a statement on the matter to Vice Canada, which you can read in its entirety below.
Quincy Nanatakyi: "The investigation against Derek is both shocking and offensive. These accusations, which we take very seriously were brought to the police after Derek attempted to end an unhealthy relationship with a mentally unstable individual. Derek's character would not allow him to commit any of the allegations he is facing. Unfortunately, the mental health of his accuser is in question as well. During their relationship Derek was a victim of physical abuse, slanderous accusations, and was threatened that his career would be ruined by the same person who has now made these erroneous allegations. Having had to deal with these abuses before the investigation, Derek would never put anyone through the same pain he was forced to experience. Derek would like everyone to please understand that all slanderous accusations against him are completely untrue and he empathizes with ALL victims of any and every form of abuse. GHS also known as get home safe members and affiliates of Derek Bissue also known as Derek Wise do not promote any of the negative and horrendous claims brought against Derek. As a young man raised by a single mother who Derek found love and endless inspiration, he would never put himself into a situation that would cause harm to a woman. It hurts me to see my best friend and business partner in this situation. People change when they see someone close to them elevating their mindset and focusing on positive routes to success. I want all of his fans, friends and loved ones to send positive energy for this tiresome, somber, and ridiculous situation. Lastly, I want to state that due to the legal process I cannot disclose any more information at this time. Also please understand that there are two sides to every story."
We will continue to update this story as more details emerge in the coming days.
