Vancouver police have laid sexual assault charges against a massage therapist in British Columbia, according to a news release issued Wednesday. The charges stem from an investigation into allegations made by several clients who reported inappropriate conduct during treatment sessions.
Details of the charges
The accused, whose name has not been released to protect the identity of the complainants, faces multiple counts of sexual assault. Police allege the incidents occurred between 2023 and 2025 at a massage clinic in the Vancouver area. The therapist was arrested without incident and has been released on conditions pending a court appearance scheduled for July 15, 2026.
Investigators say they are aware of at least five victims, but believe there may be more. They are urging anyone who had similar experiences with this therapist to come forward. “We take all allegations of sexual assault seriously,” said Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Constable Tania Visintin. “We encourage anyone who has been a victim to report it to police.”
Regulatory response
The College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) confirmed that the therapist’s registration has been suspended pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. In a statement, the college said it is cooperating with the police investigation and has contacted all known clients of the therapist to offer support and information.
“The CMTBC is committed to public safety and will take immediate action when a registrant is charged with a serious offence,” the statement read. The college also reminded patients that they can check a therapist’s registration status online and report any concerns to the regulatory body.
Impact on the profession
This case has raised concerns within the massage therapy community about patient safety and professional conduct. Many therapists are now reviewing their own practices to ensure compliance with ethical standards. The incident also highlights the importance of clear communication between therapists and clients regarding consent and boundaries during treatment.
According to statistics from the CMTBC, there have been 12 reports of sexual misconduct by massage therapists in the province over the past five years, leading to eight suspensions and four permanent revocations of licences. The college has implemented mandatory education on professional boundaries for all registrants as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent such incidents.
