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Four people have been arrested and charged in connection with a human trafficking investigation involving “several young” female victims ranging from 11 to 14 years old, Peel Regional Police said Monday.
The four suspects are aged 15 to 22. Police say the arrests stem from an investigation in January 2024, where it was alleged that a number of young female victims were “being trafficked and exploited in the sex-trade throughout the Greater Toronto Area.”
The suspects — three men and one minor — face numerous charges, including sexual assault of a female under 16 and trafficking in persons under 18 years, according to police.
“It is alleged that the suspects used coercion, manipulation and threats of physical violence to maintain control and influence over the victims, while financially benefiting from their exploitation,” Peel police said in a news release.
Victim came forward to police
The investigation began after a victim came forward to police, said Det.-Sgt. Bob Hackenbrook.
Hackenbrook also said it’s not the first time that an accused in a trafficking investigation has been a minor, and that there are similar past incidents that are now before the courts.
“We believe there are other young girls who have been victimized by these individuals,” said Hackenbrook, noting that a lot of trafficking victims right now are being groomed through social media.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.