NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In February of 2024 the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit developed a project to target persons using the internet to communicate and meet in person with young persons believed to be offering sexual services for money.
Between Jan. 31, 2024, and Feb. 3, 2024, NRPS detectives (Human Trafficking Unit, ICE Unit, Child Abuse Unit, Domestic Violence Unit) in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Led Joint Force Strategy and with the assistance multiple police and law enforcement agencies arrested 13 persons at a Niagara Falls hotel.
The following persons have been arrested and charged:
- Male (31 years) Niagara Falls
- Male (51 years) Niagara on the Lake
- Male (52 years) St. Catharines
- Male (25 years) Thorold
- Male (50 years) Thorold
- Male (23 years) Welland
- Male (22 years) St. Catharines
- Male (33 years) Windsor
- Male (20 years) Niagara Falls
- Male (44 years) St. Catharines
- Male (60 years) Buffalo New York
- Male (37 years) Niagara Falls
- Male (27 years) Niagara Falls
All 13 males have been charged with the Criminal Code offences of:
- Luring a child for the purpose of obtaining sexual services
- Obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years
- Invite / counsel, sexual exploitation of a young person
The arrested males were held in custody and attended video bail hearings.
The NRPS would like to acknowledge assistance of the following police and law enforcement agencies in this project:
- OPP Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Led Joint Force Strategy (Windsor Police Service, Barrie Police Service, Halton Regional Police Service, Kingston Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, Hamilton Police Service)
- OPP Border Enforcement Security Team
- Canada Border Services Agency
- Department of Homeland Security (USA)
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Niagara Regional Police Service Chief Bill Fordy states:
“These arrests showcase the dedication of our members in ensuring some of the most vulnerable members of our community are protected, sending a strong message that the predatory behaviours associated with human trafficking will not be tolerated in Niagara.
"We are committed to fighting human trafficking through intelligence-gathering and working cooperatively with law enforcement and community partners to support victims and enforcement efforts. Integrated resources, the sharing of information, a victim-centred approach and community partnerships are crucial to law enforcement’s effective response to this kind of crime.”
The investigation remains ongoing by NRPS detectives. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009544.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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