The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) have made two arrests and laid multiple charges as a result of a lengthy, two year Human Trafficking investigation.
In February of 2023 the Halton Regional Police Service began an investigation into a report of an underaged female (17 years old) that was allegedly being sexually trafficked by a male suspect within the Burlington and Greater Toronto Area.
Members of the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit took carriage of the investigation, during which three additional adult females were identified as being sexually trafficked by the same suspect at various time periods beginning in December of 2022.
Sexual services were advertised, and the victim’s photo’s posted on social media platforms during which the suspect coerced, controlled and exploited the victims in the sex trade while the suspect benefitted financially from the exploitation.
Following further investigations, a second male suspect was also identified as being involved in sexually trafficking one of the adult female victims associated to the first suspect.
As a result of the investigation Aaron Verghese and William Osei-Opoku were identified and efforts were undertaken to locate and arrest both suspects.
On December 15, 2023, Aaron Verghese, 22, of Burlington, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking a Person (Child Victim)
- Receive Material Benefit (Child Victim)
- Making Child Pornography
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Distributing Child Pornography
- Receive Material Benefit for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Knowingly Advertise Sexual Services (4 Counts)
- Procuring (3 Counts)
Verghese was held for a bail hearing and remains in custody pending trial.
On January 28, 2025, William Osei-Opoku, 28, of Pickering, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking a Person
- Receive Material Benefit
- Receive Material Benefit for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Knowingly Advertise Sexual Services
- Procuring
Osei-Opoku has been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Investigators believe there may be further human trafficking victims and advise Verghese often utilizes the alias “Ace” while Osei-Opoku often utilizes the alias “Jay” (accused photos attached). Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the HRPS 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 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 [email protected]
- 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.