Six men have been taken into custody in the Durham Region of Ontario, Canada, as part of an investigation into human trafficking. The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) initiated an operation dubbed Project Firebird, aimed at addressing the issue of individuals purchasing sexual services from minors.
The investigation revealed that officers identified several individuals who were arranging meetings for sexual services with people they were aware were under the age of 18. Following this investigation, the men were arrested and face a combined total of 19 charges concerning the luring of minors and obtaining sexual services.
The individuals charged have been identified as:
– Manish Singh, 22, from Brampton
– Bruce Herrington, 50, from Ajax
– Nickolas Chen, 24, from Markham
– Sarang Kapdi, 33, from Pickering
– Leodee Ayoyao, 27, from Oshawa
– Christopher Smith, 39, from Oshawa
All six are facing multiple charges, including luring individuals for the purpose of obtaining sexual services from those under 18, as well as obtaining sexual services from a person under 18. Additionally, they are charged with invitation to sexual touching involving someone under the age of 16.
Legal Proceedings
Following their arrest, the six men were released on an undertaking. They are required to appear in court on scheduled dates as the legal process advances.
Project Firebird forms part of a larger initiative by the Durham Regional Police Service to combat child exploitation and human trafficking in the area. Authorities emphasize that the operation aims to identify and prosecute individuals seeking sexual exploitation of minors, often utilizing undercover operations and digital investigations to uncover such activities.
Through these measures, law enforcement hopes to deter potential offenders and improve safety for vulnerable populations in the region.
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