Between 2021 and 2025, the Durham police said its Human Trafficking Unit has assisted 1,175 individuals at risk of exploitation and victims of human trafficking.
It said in the time period, 1,332 investigations involving elements of human trafficking, were conducted.
Some 531 accused persons and persons of interest were identified and 754 human trafficking-related charges were laid.
These statistics were released by Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) yesterday on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. DRPS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting victims, supporting survivors, and holding offenders accountable.
During June and July, DRPS participated in a province-wide, multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional human trafficking enforcement initiative alongside 18 police services and victim services organizations from across Ontario. The coordinated effort, led by Peel Regional Police, focused on identifying individuals at risk of exploitation, connecting them with supports, and strengthening investigative partnerships across jurisdictions.
As a result of the initiative:
- 98 individuals involved in the sex trade were identified and offered and/or facilitated access to appropriate social services and community supports.
- A coordinated investigative response was established among human trafficking investigators across Ontario.
- Multiple ongoing human trafficking investigations were initiated.
- Intelligence gathering and information sharing were enhanced to strengthen future enforcement and victim support efforts.
One Of The Most Underreported Crimes
Human trafficking remains one of the most underreported crimes in Canada and often targets vulnerable individuals through manipulation, coercion, fear, and control. Victims frequently know their traffickers, making it difficult to seek help or escape exploitative situations.
“By working together across jurisdictions and alongside victim services professionals, we can better identify those at risk, support survivors, and strengthen investigations targeting those who seek to exploit vulnerable individuals. Human trafficking has no boundaries, and neither should our response,” said Deputy Chief Ryan Connolly.
Anyone who may be experiencing exploitation, or who has information about human trafficking, is encouraged to contact police. In Durham Region, individuals can report information to DRPS at 1-888-579-1520. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Support is also available through the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
Participating Police Services
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Anishinabek Police Service, Barrie Police Service, Belleville Police Service, Brantford Police Service, Cornwall Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, Guelph Police Service, Halton Regional Police Service, Hamilton Police Service, Kingston Police, London Police Service, North Bay Police Service, Peel Regional Police, Greater Sudbury Police Service, South Simcoe Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Woodstock Police Service, and York Regional Police.
Participating Victim Services Organizations
Victim services professionals from Peel Region, York Region, Durham Region, and the City of Hamilton collaborated throughout the initiative, providing support and resources to individuals identified during the operation.
This collaborative, multi-jurisdictional approach strengthens the ability of law enforcement and community partners to identify trafficking activity, support victims, and detect offenders as they move between jurisdictions.
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