Toronto man arrested in Niagara human trafficking investigation

Police say they have arrested a Torontonian for human trafficking in the Niagara region and Toronto.

Niagara Regional Police say they began an investigation last month into the trafficking of a woman over the age of 18 in the Niagara region and southern Ontario.

Earlier in the day, with the assistance of two uniformed district officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service and members of the provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) from the Greater Toronto East Area, a suspect identified earlier was located and arrested in Toronto.

Dillan Shand, 32, of Toronto, faces the following charges:

• Human trafficking
• Purchases
• Material benefit from human trafficking
• Material benefit from sexual services
• Assault
• Making threats

Shand is being held pending his bail hearing, which is scheduled to take place June 6 at the Robert SK Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

The investigation continues as detectives suspect there may be additional victims. Anyone who may have more information is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 3. 1009544.

None of the allegations have been tested in court and Shand is considered innocent until proven guilty.