Sudbury News: Five local human trafficking victims rescued in major provincial operation

Six people have been charged in a provincial human trafficking investigation that identified five survivors from Greater Sudbury.

“Project Uptown,” launched in October 2022, has resulted in 81 charges against six suspects, Ontario Provincial Police said.

The five female victims were aged 16 to 25, and three of them were minors at the time of the trafficking, OPP spokesperson Andrew Taylor said in an email Thursday afternoon.

“Notably, during the investigation, investigators discovered that a female victim had been trafficked throughout Ontario by eight separate males since 2014,” the Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release.

“Each defendant employed different methods of exploitation and was charged with additional crimes in addition to human trafficking. »

The six suspects, aged 34 to 45, including one woman, were arrested in Burlington, Missisauga, Ottawa, Penetanguishene and St. Catharines.

Four of the accused are from Brampton while two others are from unknown addresses.

In addition to the human trafficking charges, offences relating to assault and online child sexual abuse have also been brought against two men in their 40s.

“Victims have been referred to specialized victim services to ensure they receive ongoing support,” OPP said.

“The success of the Uptown Project highlights the critical importance of cooperation among law enforcement partners in the fight against human trafficking. »

Police also seized more than 30 grams of various drugs, a firearm and $1,100 in cash during the operation.

More than a dozen local police services participated in the investigation, including the Anishinabek and Greater Sudbury Police Services, as well as the Ontario Provincial Police Victim Centred Outreach Team, Digital Forensics and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.

“North Simcoe Victim Services and Sudbury and Area Victim Services provided support and education to victims,” Ontario Provincial Police said.

“If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, call your local police department. The Canadian Center to Stop Human Trafficking has resources available to victims and survivors of human trafficking on its website. A national hotline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-833-900-1010. »