NEWS RELEASE
HALTON REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Human Trafficking Unit has made five arrests and laid multiple charges after a five-month human trafficking investigation.
In May 2024, the HRPS began an investigation into a human trafficking ring that was operating in Halton Region and the Greater Toronto Area. Police allege that between September 2019 and September 2024, the accused parties used coercion, deception, manipulation, physical violence, and psychological harm to maintain control, direction, or influence over the victims. During the course of the investigation five suspects were identified.
On Sept. 17, 2024, the HRPS executed five criminal code search warrants at various residences in Brampton and Toronto. The five identified suspects were arrested and the following items were seized:
- loaded firearm, ammunition, and a prohibited magazine.
- a large sum of cash
- a vehicle seized as offence-related property
- victim identity documents
The following individuals have been arrested, charged and held for bail (photos attached):
Prince Munroe (35) of Brampton, alias of Casino Barnes:
- trafficking in persons (two counts)
- receive material benefit from trafficking persons (two counts)
- receive material benefit from the commission of the purchasing offence (two counts)
- procuring – exercise control (three counts)
- knowingly advertise sexual services (two counts)
- assault
- possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- breach of firearms regulation
- possession of property obtained by crime – over $5,000
Sabrina Leite-Moniz (25) of Brampton, alias of Lady SB:
- trafficking in persons
- receive material benefit from trafficking persons
- receive material benefit from the commission of the purchasing offence
- procuring – exercise control
- knowingly advertise sexual services
- withhold or destroy identity documents
- assault with a weapon
- possession of prohibited or restricted firearm
- breach of firearms regulation
- possession of property obtained by crime
Jamie Munroe (33) of Mississauga:
- trafficking in persons
- receive material benefit from trafficking persons
- receive material benefit from the commission of the purchasing offence
- procuring – exercise control
- knowingly advertise sexual services
- assault
- assault with a weapon
- withholding or destroying documents
Jonathan Bennett (25) of Shelburne:
- procuring – exercise control
Shuwyane Mitchell (30) of Courtice:
- procuring – exercise control
The HRPS would like to thank officers with the Peel, Toronto, Niagara and Peterborough Police Services for their assistance in this investigation. The HRPS receives provincial funding and is part of the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS). The IJFS is committed to combatting human trafficking through intelligence gathering and working cooperatively with law enforcement and community partners to support victims and enforcement efforts. Integrated resources, the sharing of information, a victim-centred approach, and community partnerships are critical to law enforcement’s effective response to this kind of crime.
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. 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 online.
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
- 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.
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