Hamilton youth trafficking investigation has expanded after Hamilton police charged two Greater Toronto Area men in an alleged human trafficking case involving young victims.
_x000D_The Hamilton Police Service Human Trafficking Unit launched the investigation in May after receiving reports that several youths may have been exploited.
_x000D_ _x000D_Hamilton Police Investigate Alleged Trafficking Operation
_x000D_Police allege that 27-year-old Shemar Walters of Toronto trafficked young victims between March and June.
_x000D_Investigators say he advertised the victims’ sexual services online and collected the money earned through the alleged exploitation.
_x000D_Police also allege that 20-year-old Ethan Gangasingh of Brampton helped recruit and procure victims during the same period.
_x000D_ _x000D_Multiple Human Trafficking Charges Filed
_x000D_Both suspects now face several serious charges, including:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Two counts of trafficking a person under 18 _x000D_
- Procuring sexual services from a person under 18 _x000D_
- Receiving a material benefit from trafficking a person under 18 _x000D_
Police also charged both men with possessing controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking.
_x000D_The drugs allegedly seized include:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Cocaine _x000D_
- Fentanyl _x000D_
- Methamphetamine _x000D_
- Hydromorphone _x000D_
- Oxycodone _x000D_
Court Proceedings Continue
_x000D_Walters remains in custody after appearing for a bail hearing.
_x000D_Meanwhile, Gangasingh appeared in court on Monday before authorities released him under court conditions.
_x000D_ _x000D_Police Seek Additional Survivors
_x000D_Hamilton police believe more survivors may not have reported their experiences.
_x000D_For that reason, investigators released photographs of both accused and urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Human Trafficking Unit.
_x000D_Police also reminded the public that human trafficking offences have no limitation period. Survivors can report incidents regardless of when they happened.
_x000D_People with information can contact Hamilton Police directly or submit anonymous tips through the department’s online reporting system.
_x000D_The investigation remains active.
