The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest and laid multiple charges in a human trafficking investigation. The allegations stem from historical incidents between 2016 and 2020. The investigation involved the exploitation of a female in the region of Halton and the Greater Toronto area.
On Wednesday January 5th, 2022, investigators arrested 26 year-old Paolo Fadul-Gonzalez of Toronto. He has been charged with the following:
Trafficking of a person under 18 years of age
Procuring a person under 18 years of age
Receive material benefit from sexual services provided by a person under 18 years of age
Receive material benefit resulting from trafficking in persons
Procuring by exercising control
Advertising sexual advertisements
Sexual Assault (x2)
Assault
Fadul-Gonzalez was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Police believe there is potential for additional victims and ask that anyone with information contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331.
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 VictimServices@haltonpolice.ca
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)
Radius Child & Youth Services 905-825-3242 (Oakville) or 1-855-744-9001
Kid's Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256
Elizabeth Fry Society Halton-Peel 905-878-2075
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, jewelry 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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