Biggest-ever human trafficking probe in this part of Ontario leads to 9 arrests

Nine people face a combined 85 charges in connection with what Halton police describe as the force’s biggest-ever investigation into human trafficking.

A 10-month multi-jurisdictional probe dubbed Project Troubadour led to the execution of 10 search warrants at various locations across the Greater Toronto Area on July 13, Halton Regional Police said on Tuesday.

In addition to the arrest of five people from Burlington, two from Mississauga and one each from Toronto and Milton, police also seized several luxury vehicles, jewelry, drugs and cash.

Items siezed include:

• Lamborghini Urus
• Mercedes-Benz S550
• Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
• 2 Seadoo GTR
• A quantity of drugs including cocaine, cannabis, oxycodone and psilocybin
• Approximately $30,000 in Canadian and U.S. currency
• An estimated $450,000 in high-end jewelry
• Electronic devices

Police said the investigation was launched after a female came forward last September with complaints that she had been exploited by others for financial gain.

As the probe continued, police said they discovered a total of 12 victims “who were subjected to commercial sexual exploitation over an extended period of time” across the GTA.

Halton investigators, who were aided by Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, allege a group of people “used coercion, deception, manipulation and psychological harm to maintain control, direction or influence over the victims.”

Charged with trafficking in persons, receive material benefit from trafficking in persons, procuring — exercise control and various other alleged offences are: 

• Omar Brooks, 40, of Burlington
• Michelle Dimarco, 33, of Burlington
• Christian Collins, 31, of Milton

Charged with procuring — exercise control and possession of proceeds obtained by crime is:

• Nicholas Bennett, 32, of Mississauga 

Charged with receive material benefit from sexual services and laundering proceeds of crime are:

• Merlyn Brooks, 74, of Burlington
• Malinda Brooks, 45, of Burlington
• Malisha Brooks, 45, of Burlington

Charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) and possession for the purpose of distribution (cannabis) are:

• Johnathan Green, 40, of Toronto
• Jaidis Brooks-Reynolds, 26, of Mississauga (also charged with breach of release order)

All accused were held in custody pending bail hearings in Milton court, police said.

Halton police Deputy Chief Jeff Hill said human trafficking is one of the most “serious and disturbing crimes” investigated by the force.

“It exploits vulnerable individuals for profit, fuels organized crime and leaves lasting physical and psychological harm that extends far beyond the survivors themselves,” he said in a news release on Tuesday. “This is not a crime that exists in isolation; it affects the safety, security and well-being of our entire community.”

Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information or who has been victimized is asked to call police at 905-825-4747, ext. 5241, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

(All photos/images: Halton Regional Police)