Two men have been arrested by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) following a lengthy Human Trafficking investigation.
In July 2024, the HRPS began an investigation into a woman being trafficked by two male suspects in Oakville. Subsequent investigation, including financial information provided by Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), revealed multiple other women were also being trafficked by the same two suspects. Police allege that the accused men used coercion, manipulation, physical violence, and psychological harm to maintain control and influence over the victims, while they benefitted financially from the exploitation.
On Thursday, March 20th, the HRPS executed criminal code search warrants at two locations in Oakville. The two suspects were arrested and the following items were seized:
- Approximately 254 grams of cocaine
- A large sum of cash
- A stolen motorcycle
- Several electronic devices
- Victim identity documents
The following individuals have been arrested, charged and held for bail:
38-year-old Rayon Powell of Oakville, aliases of ‘Dante,’ ‘Michael Williams’ and ‘Kash’:
- Trafficking in Persons (2 counts)
- Material Benefits from Trafficking in Persons (2 counts)
- Material Benefits from Sexual Services (3 counts)
- Procuring (6 counts)
- Advertise Sexual Services (3 counts)
- Breach Probation (3 counts)
- Sexual Assault
- Voyeurism
- Assault
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
46-year-old Gebre Byrnes of Oakville, aliases of ‘G’ and ‘Jason Peters’:
- Trafficking in Persons
- Material Benefits from Trafficking in Persons
- Material Benefits from Sexual Services (2 counts)
- Procuring (3 counts)
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (2 counts)
- Deface VIN Plate
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and photos of the accused individuals are attached to this media release. 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. 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 through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The following information was shared by the HRPS for potential victims:
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.
