Halton police make arrest of Vaughn man following human trafficking investigation
Published September 2, 2022 at 3:42 pm
A Vaughn man is facing several charges after an investigation by the Halton Regional Police human trafficking unit.
The investigation was initiated in August and on Sept. 1, investigators arrested 29-year-old Ryan Gentles of Vaughn.
Halton police have refused to divulge where the arrest took place or where any of the alleged crimes happened.
Gentles has been charged with the following several offences, including human trafficking, assault and sexual assault.
Gentles was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
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Gentles also goes by the name of “Grizzy Gwop” and police believe there are additional victims in regards to this investigation and are asking anyone who has come into contact with Gentles, or has information, to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at the website.
Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service.
The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in Halton region for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:
- Halton Regional Police victim services unit 905-825-4777, ext. 5239, or by email at [email protected]
- Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
- Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
- Radius Child & Youth Services 905-825-3242 (Oakville) or 1-855-744-9001
- Kid’s Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
- THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256
Here are the signs you should look for if you believe someone might be a victim of trafficking:
- Not being allowed to speak for themselves
- Not having control of their own money or cellphone
- Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number
- Being controlled by others and escorted at all times
- Not being allowed to contact family or friends
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Providing rehearsed answers to casual questions
- Being secretive about their activities;
- Showing signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.
- Having a new boyfriend, girlfriend or friend who they won’t introduce to friends/family
- Having new items (clothing, jewelry etc.) outside their financial means.
You may also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.
The hotline uses a victim-centered approach when connecting human trafficking victims and survivors with local emergency, transition, and/or long-term supports and services across the country, as well as connecting callers to law enforcement where appropriate.
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