A 28-year-old man from Oshawa is facing multiple charges following a human trafficking investigation led by Durham Regional Police.
According to police, the investigation began on Tuesday, May 6, after allegations surfaced that a young woman was being exploited. The Durham Regional Police Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) determined that the victim initially met the accused through an online platform and entered into a consensual relationship. Over time, the relationship turned coercive, with the suspect allegedly manipulating the woman and pressuring her into performing sexual acts with other men for money, from which he took a portion of the proceeds.
On Wednesday, May 21, members of the Human Trafficking Unit executed a Criminal Code search warrant at a residence near Richmond Street West and Prince Street in Oshawa. The suspect was arrested at the scene without incident.
During the search, investigators seized evidence related to the alleged trafficking, as well as more than five pounds of psilocybin — a hallucinogenic drug commonly known as magic mushrooms.
A 28-year-old male, from Oshawa, was charged and held for a bail hearing. Name and further details available at www.drps.ca.
A support network for survivors of human trafficking has been established in the Region of Durham. These services can be accessed via www.stopht.com. Victim Services of Durham Region is available for anyone who needs free, confidential support without judgment. Visit their website at www.victimservicesdurham.ca.
Anyone who has been victimized by the accused or has any information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name or identify the accused as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.
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