Charges laid in ongoing human trafficking investigation

York Regional police Counter Exploitation Unit (CEU) investigators, in collaboration with the Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal Sexual Exploitation Section, have charged a suspect related to an ongoing human trafficking investigation. 

In May, the CEU was conducting a proactive enforcement investigation targeting the advertising of sexual services in Markham. Through that investigation, the CEU identified a victim at a Markham hotel at the Highway 7-Leslie Street intersection. The victim told police they were lured to the area from British Columbia under false pretences and were trafficked and exploited in the sex trade upon arrival.

The CEU has since identified a number of victims in Montreal and believes there are victims across Canada, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. Investigators are appealing to anyone with information to step forward.

The suspect, a 38-year-old Montreal man, presents himself as a fitness instructor named “Coach Dreamz” or “Dreamz.bigg” and primarily works with women. He is believed to frequent gyms across Canada.

For additional information regarding his appearance, charges and name, please visit YRP.ca.