International investigation into human trafficking leads to local man's arrest

A Windsor suspect is among 13 men arrested in an international sex trafficking probe involving multiple police departments, Canadian border officials, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Investigators said the case focused on the exploitation and trafficking of young people. The suspects, from various cities, were arrested between Jan. 31 and Feb. 3 at a Niagara Falls hotel.

“These arrests showcase the dedication of our members in ensuring some of the most vulnerable members of our community are protected, sending a strong message that the predatory behaviours associated with human trafficking will not be tolerated in Niagara,” said Chief Bill Fordy of the Niagara Regional Police Service, which led the investigation.

A 33-year-old Windsor man was arrested, as well as men from cities including Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-lake, St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland and Buffalo, N.Y.

All 13 people have been charged with luring a child for the purpose of obtaining sexual services, obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years, and invite/counsel sexual exploitation of a young person.

Police said court-ordered publication bans prohibit them from releasing the names of the people facing charges.

Niagara police said the investigation began with its Human Trafficking Unit developing a project to target people allegedly using the internet to communicate with and meet minors believed to be offering sexual services for money.

Detectives from several other Niagara police units were also involved, in conjunction with the OPP Anti-human Trafficking Intelligence Led Joint Force Strategy.

Police agencies from six cities, including Windsor as part of the Opp-led Joint Force Strategy, assisted the investigation. The OPP Border Enforcement Security Team, Canada Border Services Agency, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also participated.

“We are committed to fighting human trafficking through intelligence-gathering and working co-operatively with law enforcement and community partners to support victims and enforcement efforts,” said Fordy.

“Integrated resources, the sharing of information, a victim-centred approach and community partnerships are crucial to law enforcement's effective response to this kind of crime.”

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact Niagara Regional Police by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009544. To report tips anonymously, call Crime Stoppers of Niagara at 1-800-222-8477. twilhelm@postmedia.com