Nine individuals are facing a total of 85 charges linked to what Halton police are calling their largest investigation into human trafficking.
A ten-month investigation known as Project Troubadour led to the execution of 10 search warrants at different locations across the Greater Toronto Area on July 13, according to Halton Regional Police’s announcement on Tuesday.
In addition to arresting five people from Burlington, two from Mississauga, and one each from Toronto and Milton, authorities also confiscated several luxury vehicles, jewelry, drugs, and cash.
Items seized include:
Lamborghini Urus Mercedes-Benz S550 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 2 Seadoo GTR A quantity of drugs including cocaine, cannabis, oxycodone and psilocybin Approximately $30,000 in Canadian and U. S. currency An estimated $450,000 in high-end jewelry Electronic devices
The investigation began after a woman came forward last September claiming she had been exploited by others for financial gain.
As the inquiry progressed, police found a total of 12 victims “who were subjected to commercial sexual exploitation over an extended period of time” throughout the GTA.
Halton investigators received support from Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. They allege that a group used coercion, deception, manipulation and psychological harm to maintain control over the victims.
The following individuals have been charged with trafficking in persons, receiving material benefit from trafficking in persons, procuring – exercise control along with various other alleged offenses:
Omar Brooks, 40, of Burlington Michelle Dimarco, 33, of Burlington Christian Collins, 31, of Milton
Charged with procuring – exercise control and possession of proceeds obtained by crime is:
Nicholas Bennett, 32, of Mississauga
Charged with receiving material benefit from sexual services and laundering proceeds of crime are:
Merlyn Brooks, 74, of Burlington Malinda Brooks, 45, of Burlington Malisha Brooks, 45 , of Burlington
Charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) and possession for distribution (cannabis) are:
Johnathan Green ,40 , of Toronto Jaidis Brooks-Reynolds ,26 , of Mississauga (also charged with breach of release order)
All accused individuals are being held in custody pending bail hearings at Milton court , according to police.
Halton police Deputy Chief Jeff Hill stated that human trafficking represents one of the most “serious and disturbing crimes” investigated by their department.
“It exploits vulnerable individuals for profit , fuels organized crime and leaves lasting physical and psychological harm that extends far beyond the survivors themselves,” he said in a news release on Tuesday. “This is not a crime that exists in isolation; it affects the safety , security , and well-being of our entire community.”
Investigators believe there may be more victims. Anyone who has information or has been victimized is encouraged to contact police at 905-825-4747 , ext.5241 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
(All photos/images: Halton Regional Police)
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