The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has laid several criminal charges in response to a lengthy Human Trafficking investigation.
It’s alleged that over the preceding 18 months an adult female victim was being exploited by the accused for financial gain, while the victim was being trafficked in the sex trade throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). During the course of the investigation financial information provided by Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) was instrumental in supplying evidence that led to the arrest of the accused.
On Thursday, September 25th, the accused was arrested by HRPS officers, and with the assistance of the IJFS, criminal code search warrants were executed at residences in Thornhill and Oakville, in addition to a commercial business in Mississauga. As a result of the search warrants the following items were seized:
- Approximately $25,095 in loose Canadian currency, and $100 US currency
- 56.1 grams of cocaine
- 8.7 grams of purple fentanyl
- Small amounts of Xanax, LSD, and MDMA
- A large quantity of bundled currency
- Gold and silver bars
- Electronic devices and other items of evidentiary value
As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Lia Mai Genest-Matte of Thornhill has been charged with the following:
- Procuring (2 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit – Sexual Services (2 Counts)
- Advertising Sexual Services (2 Counts)
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Launder Proceeds of Crime
Genest-Matte has been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Genest- Matte has utilized the aliases of “Badgirl Lili”, “Chanel Smith”, “White Bee”, and “Bianca White” and is known to operate under the agency name of “Don White’s Associates”. Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by the accused is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The Halton Regional Police Service also provided the following information:
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 our region for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:
- Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777 ext. 5239 or by email at VictimServices@haltonpolice.ca
- 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)
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
- THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256
- ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) 905-878-9785 (24-hour crisis line)
Signs / Indicators of Human 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; and
- Having new items (clothing, jewellery, etc.) outside their financial means.
What Should I Do If I Think Someone is a Victim of Trafficking?
If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 9-1-1.
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.
