The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made nine arrests and laid over 85 criminal charges as part of the largest human trafficking case in their history.
This ten-month multi-jurisdiction investigation was dubbed Project Troubadour.
The HRPS says a female came foward in September as a victim of exploitation. This kick-started an investigation into the alleged incidents across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Alongside Peel Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and with the support of Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), investigators allege that the accused parties used coercion, deception, manipulation, and psychological harm to maintain control, direction, or influence over the victims. The investigation identified twelve victims who were subjected to commercial sexual exploitation over an extended period of time.
On Monday, July 13th, police executed ten criminal code search warrants at various residences across the GTA. As a result, nine were arrested and the following items were seized:
- Lamborghini Urus
- Mercedes-Benz S550
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
- Two Seadoo GTR
- A quantity of drugs including cocaine, cannabis, oxycodone and psilocybin
- Approximately $30,000 in Canadian and US currency
- An estimated $450,000 in high-end jewelry
- Electronic devices
As a result of the investigation the following individuals have been arrested and charged:
40-year-old Omar Brooks of Burlington (Alias Syph):
- Instruct to Commit for Benefit of a Criminal Organization
- Trafficking in Persons (3 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons (3 Counts)
- Procuring – Exercise Control (9 Counts)
- Procuring – Illicit Sexual Intercourse
- Procure to Become a Prostitute
- Living off the Avails of Prostitution
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services (7 Counts)
- Advertise Sexual Services
- Assault with a Weapon
- Assault (3 Counts)
- Utter Threats
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
31-year-old Christian Collins of Milton (Alias Killah Da Crook, Cam):
- Trafficking in Persons
- Receive Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons
- Procuring – Exercise Control (3 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services (2 Counts)
- Advertise Sexual Services
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
- Conspire to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – (4 Counts) Cocaine, Psilocybin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution – Cannabis
33-year-old Michelle Dimarco of Burlington (Alias Coco, Ivy Love):
- Instruct to Commit for the Benefit of a Criminal Organization
- Trafficking in Persons (2 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons (2 Counts)
- Procuring – Exercise Control (7 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services (6 Counts)
- Advertise Sexual Services
- Utter Threats
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
32-year-old Nicholas Bennett of Mississauga (Alias D-Boy Bennett, Benz):
- Procuring – Exercise Control
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime
74-year-old Merlyn Brooks of Burlington:
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
45-year-old Malinda Brooks of Burlington:
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
45-year-old Malisha Brooks of Burlington:
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
40-year-old Johnathan Green of Toronto:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution – Cannabis
26-year-old Jaidis Brooks-Reynolds of Mississauga (Alias J-Rip Severe, Drippy, JD):
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution – Cannabis
- Breach of Release Order
All accused were held in custody pending their respective bail hearings in Milton.
“Human trafficking is one of the most serious and disturbing crimes we investigate,” Deputy Chief Jeff Hill, Investigative and Frontline Support Services. “It exploits vulnerable individuals for profit, fuels organized crime, and leaves lasting physical and psychological harm that extends far beyond the survivors themselves. This is not a crime that exists in isolation—it affects the safety, security, and well-being of our entire community. Our service remains committed to identifying those responsible, supporting survivors, and working with our policing and community partners to disrupt these criminal networks and ensure offenders are brought before the courts.”
Investigators believe there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by the accused is asked to contact the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5241.
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 online.
Project Troubadour is ongoing and investigators are anticipating further charges being laid.
The Halton Regional Police Service firmly believes that every person has the right to feel safe in our community.
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.
