Peel Regional Police say they are making progress in the fight against human trafficking, but warn the crime remains largely hidden as many victims continue to suffer in silence.
As World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed on July 30, Peel Police have highlighted efforts to identify victims, hold offenders accountable and connect survivors with support services across Brampton and Mississauga.
Human trafficking is the exploitation of people through force, threats, coercion, deception or abuse of power for sexual exploitation or forced labour. Victims can be controlled through intimidation, manipulation, financial dependence or threats against themselves or their families. Police say traffickers often target vulnerable individuals and that the crime can be difficult to detect because victims may be isolated and afraid to seek help.
Police say their Human Trafficking Unit has conducted hundreds of investigations in recent years, resulting in dozens of accused individuals being charged and hundreds of trafficking-related charges being laid.
Between 2021 and 2025, the unit conducted 929 investigations, leading to 201 accused persons, 767 human trafficking-related charges, and the identification of 178 victims.
Despite the increase in enforcement activity, police say the numbers likely represent only a fraction of the problem.
“Human trafficking thrives in isolation and fear,” said Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich. “Every survivor who is identified and connected to support represents an opportunity for hope.”
Milinovich said many victims do not report their experiences because of fear, intimidation or a lack of trust in authorities.
“We know many people experiencing exploitation never come forward, which is why building trust and working alongside community partners remains at the centre of our approach,” he said. “No one should face exploitation alone and we want victims and survivors to know that help is available.”
Peel Police, which provides policing services in both Brampton and Mississauga, says it is working with community organizations, including the Safe Centre of Peel, to help victims safely leave situations of exploitation and access resources.
The force recently led a province-wide human trafficking initiative during June and July involving 17 other police services and four victim services organizations.
During the operation, police identified 98 individuals involved in the sex trade and offered them access to social services and other supports. The initiative also resulted in multiple ongoing human trafficking investigations.
Participating police services included the Ontario Provincial Police, as well as police agencies from communities including Halton, Hamilton, Durham, York, Waterloo, London and others.
Peel Police also recently announced the results of Project Mermaid, a lengthy human trafficking investigation that led to the arrest and charging of two people following allegations of trafficking and sexual exploitation involving a victim in the Greater Toronto Area.
Police say human trafficking can involve forcing or coercing someone into labour or sexual exploitation and often targets vulnerable people.
Anyone who may be experiencing exploitation, or knows someone who may be a victim of trafficking, is encouraged to seek help.
Peel Police’s Human Trafficking Unit can be reached at 905-453-2121 ext. 3555. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is available at 1-833-900-1010.
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