Shemar Walters, left, and Ethan Gangasingh face criminal charges.
A Brampton man is among two people facing a lengthy list of charges after Hamilton Police uncovered what investigators allege was a youth human trafficking operation that stretched across Hamilton and Toronto.
Hamilton Police say Ethan Gangasingh, 20, of Brampton, has been charged following a months-long investigation by the service’s Major Drugs and Gangs Unit Human Trafficking Unit.
The investigation began in May after police received information that multiple youths were being trafficked for sexual purposes.
Investigators say that between March and June of this year, underage victims were trafficked where sexual services were advertised online and money was collected.
Gangasingh is charged with two counts of procuring for sexual services under the age of 18, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000 and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Police say Gangasingh appeared in court on July 27 and was released.
Shemar Walters, 27, of Toronto has been charged with two counts each of trafficking in persons under the age of 18, procuring for sexual services under 18 and material benefit from trafficking a person under 18, along with advertising sexual services, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.
He was held for a bail hearing.
Police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Police are encouraging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Detective Constable Lindsay Toscani of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-546-3828 or provide anonymous information through Crime Stoppers.
Hamilton Police also emphasized that there is no limitation period for human trafficking offences and encouraged survivors to come forward whenever they are ready, adding that support services are available whether or not they choose to report to police.
The allegations against both accused have not been proven in court.
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