Photo: Peel Police
A Milton woman is among a group that was arrested in an extensive human trafficking investigation that spread across multiple municipalities.
Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Specialized Enforcement Bureau (SEB) Vice Unit initiated Project Pacific. It identified 13 human trafficking survivors, leading to the arrests of several suspects and charging them with human trafficking and drug related offences. Police managed to seize over $48,000 together in property and currency.
Members of a criminal network had been operating several illegal bawdy houses in Mississauga, exploiting victims of Chinese-descent within the sex trade. These vulnerable individuals were being exploited and victimized as a result of their limited ability to monetarily sustain themselves. Investigators identified several members of this criminal network benefiting financially from the exploitation of these victims.
On Monday, March 27th, members of the SEB Vice Unit executed a residential and vehicle Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant in Mississauga and two residential Criminal Code search warrants in Milton, and Markham, resulting in the arrests of two women. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of Canadian and US currency and various other denominations, multiple cellphones, other electronic storage devices, and a quantity of drugs.
As a result of this investigation the following individuals have been charged:
Leung Ngai, a 59-year-old female from Milton, is alleged to have committed the following criminal offences:
- Exercise Control, Direction or Influence
- Derive Material Benefit from Sexual Service x 3
- Communicate for the Purpose for Consideration for Sexual Service
- Trafficking a Controlled Substance – Cocaine x 4
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine x 2
Yuan Yuan Zhang, a 39-year-old female from Markham, is alleged to have committed the following criminal offences:
- Communicate for the Purpose for Consideration for Sexual Service x 6
On Wednesday, April 5th, members of the SEB Vice Unit executed Criminal Code search warrants on five residences and two vehicles, resulting in the arrest of two women. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of Canadian currency and a quantity of drugs.
Yu-Hobley Lan, a 63-year-old female from Mississauga, is alleged to have committed the following criminal offences:
- Exercise Control, Direction or Influence
- Derive Material Benefit from Sexual Service x 3
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – Cocaine
Kwai Lin Tso, a 55-year-old female from Mississauga, is alleged to have committed the following criminal offences:
- Communicate for the Purpose for Consideration for Sexual Service
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
All parties were held for a bail hearing and appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
On Friday, April 14th, Eamonn Handrahan, a 71-year-old male from Mississauga, is alleged to have committed the following criminal offence:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
“I want to thank the investigators for their diligence and determination in bringing this project to a successful conclusion, as well as to our community partners for providing care and wrap around supports for the survivors”, says Deputy Chief, Investigative and Emergency Services Command, Nick Milinovich. “Human trafficking is something that can happen anywhere, and in many cases, the victims don’t know they’re being exploited or are too afraid to come forward. We will not tolerate the victimization of vulnerable populations in our community.”
Investigators from the SEB Vice Unit believe there may be more individuals that have been victimized by this criminal network and witnesses to this investigation. They are urging those who may have information to contact Peel Regional Police at (905) 453-3311, ext. 3555. Information may also be left anonymously by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (833) 900-1010 or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.
