Three men and one teenager have been charged in connection with a human trafficking investigation in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) involving “several” female victims ranging in age from 11 to 14, local authorities say.
The arrests are linked to an investigation by Peel Regional Police into allegations that several young female victims were being trafficked and exploited in the sex trade throughout the Greater Toronto Area, police said in a press release this week.
“It is alleged that the suspects used coercion, manipulation and threats of physical violence to maintain control and influence over the victims, while financially benefiting from their exploitation,” police said.
The investigation kicked off in January of 2024 and culminated in the recent arrests.
Two Toronto residents, 21-year-old Mohamad Omar Al-Saleh and 22-year-old Mustafa Abdo and 20-year-old Mississauga resident Yousif Al-Gburi face numerous charges in connection with the investigation.
All three men are charged with sexual assault of a female under 16, trafficking in persons under 18 years, and sexual interference.
A 15-year-old youth is facing a longer list of charges. The teen has been charged with three counts of procuring a person under 18 years, three counts of exercise control, direction or influence, and two counts each of trafficking in persons under 18, receiving benefit from trafficking in persons, and material benefit from sexual services provided by a person under 18.
The name of the teen cannot be released due to provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Investigators said they believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to contact the vice and human trafficking unit or Crime Stoppers.
Trafficking Warning Signs
Human trafficking is the illegal recruitment, transportation or hiding of someone for the purpose of exploiting them and can include labour or prostitution, police said, noting that the average age of victims ranges from 13 to 21.
“Despite stereotypes, human traffickers can be men or women and are often known as pimps or madams,” police said. “Traffickers control victims by using violence and other methods of influence, such as intimidation and threats to the person’s safety or the safety of family members.”
One of the most common forms of recruitment is known as “grooming,” police said. This occurs when the trafficker pretends to be the young person’s friend or boyfriend or girlfriend.
“They will then build trust with the victim by showering them with compliments, buying them expensive items and telling him/her that they love them,” police said. “People can be approached for grooming and not even realize it.”
Common recruitment areas are malls, shopping centres, clubs, and bars.
Police are advising parents to stay informed about their children’s social and school life and to make an effort to know all of their friends or people they spend time with. Monitoring their social media accounts, knowing what apps they are using, and educating children about inappropriate requests from people they do not know and healthy social and romantic relationships is also key.
“Traffickers use, abuse and control their victims,” police said. “The key is to spot warning signs and seek help before it starts.”
There were 5,070 human trafficking incidents reported by police in Canada from 2014 to 2024. The 608 cases recorded in 2024 was roughly triple the number reported in 2014, according to Statistics Canada.
Public Safety Canada has said documented cases likely represent a small fraction of the suspected crimes.
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