Six males have been charged after the completion of a human trafficking investigation in Durham Region.

Members of the Durham Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) launched an ongoing initiative, dubbed Project Firebird, to combat the purchase of sexual services from minors in Durham Region.  The project focuses on person(s) interested and willing to purchase sexual services from persons under 18 years of age.  It also educates and supports victims and potential victims of these crimes and addresses concerns raised by community members.

In January 2026, Project Firebird saw multiple individuals arrange meetings for sexual services with minors, despite the suspects being fully aware that they were communicating with minors.

Six males were taken into custody without incident and 19 charges were laid.

Manish Singh, age 22 from Brampton is charged with: luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.

Bruce Herrington, age 50 from Ajax is charged with: luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.

Nickolas Chen, age 24 from Markham is charged with: luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, invitation to sexual touching under 16 and obstruct police.

Sarang Kapdi, age 33 from Pickering is charged with: luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.

Leodee Ayoyao, age 27 from Oshawa is charged with: luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.

Christopher Smith, age 39 from Oshawa is charged with: luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.

All were released on an undertaking.