South Simcoe Police Service has arrested a fourth suspect wanted on an arrest warrant in connection with a human trafficking investigation dubbed Project Chameleon.
A 37-year-old surrendered himself to police without incident on Monday, November 20, 2023.
He is charged with Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit from the Trafficking of Persons, Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Advertising Sexual Services, and Sexual Assault.
The accused was held for a bail hearing.
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Media Release. Friday, November 3, 2023.
Multiple Arrests, Over $30K in Drugs Seized, Following Human Trafficking Investigation Dubbed Project Chameleon
South Simcoe Police Service has made multiple arrests and seized over $30,000 in drugs following a human trafficking investigation dubbed Project Chameleon.
In May of 2023, the South Simcoe Police Service received a report of a female being held in a residence in the Town of Innisfil for the purpose of providing sexual services. Initial investigation identified two males as being involved in trafficking the female victim and exploiting her for financial gain. Further to the allegations of human trafficking, the female victim reported that one of the suspects had sexually assaulted her.
The South Simcoe Police Service launched PROJECT CHAMELEON, an initiative funded by the Ontario Government, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), to combat Human Trafficking in our communities.
As the investigation progressed, three suspects were identified as being responsible for posting online advertisements for sexual services in relation to several females from the Bradford and Innisfil areas, including the original female victim.
On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in partnership with the York Regional Police Service and the Barrie Police Service, the South Simcoe Police Service executed search warrants at a residence in Town of Innisfil and the Town of Newmarket. Police seized more than $30,000 in illicit street drugs including fentanyl, crystal meth, cocaine and a quality of pills believed to be oxycodone.
Police are working with support agencies to assist the victims identified in this investigation.
The following people were arrested and charged with the offences listed below:
Male – age 38 of Innisfil
Trafficking in Persons x 1, Material Benefit from the Trafficking of Persons x 1, Material Benefit from Sexual Services x 1, Advertising Sexual Services x 1. In addition, DIAS was also charged with several drug related offences – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 4 and Possession of a Controlled Substance x 4.
Female – age 29 of Brampton
Trafficking in Persons x 1, Material Benefit from the Trafficking of Persons x 1, Material Benefit from Sexual Services x 1, Advertising Sexual Services x 1. In addition, SINGH was also charged with several drug related offences – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 4 and Possession of a Controlled Substance x 4.
Male – age 38 of Barrie
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 4 and Possession of a Controlled Substance x 4.
The South Simcoe Police Service would like to thank their policing partners from the York Regional Police Service, Barrie Police Service, Peel Regional Police, the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-Led Joint Forces Strategy, CISO, and Victim Services for the assistance provided during the investigation.
The South Simcoe Police Service is committed to combatting human trafficking and protecting the victims of exploitation. Although difficult, police encourage anyone who is currently a victim of human trafficking or anyone who has been a victim of human trafficking in the past, to report all incidents to the police.
Police would also like to inform victims of human trafficking that they may also seek assistance by contacting the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010.
If there is anyone who can provide additional information related to this investigation, please contact investigators or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
