A 27-year-old Montreal man has been arrested by the Guelph Police Service Human Trafficking Unit for allegedly trafficking an 18-year-old Quebec woman across Quebec and Ontario.
The investigation began in early September following proactive patrols at a north-end hotel in Guelph. The young woman told officers she had been recruited into the sex trade after travelling to Toronto and meeting the accused. Over the following months, she was transported to multiple cities throughout Quebec and Ontario.
On September 25, the accused was located and arrested in Quebec by the Laval Police Service, based on an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Guelph Police. He was subsequently transported to Guelph to face the following charges:
- Procuring for sexual services
- Advertising sexual services
- Trafficking in persons
- Obtaining a material benefit from trafficking persons
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing on October 1.
Guelph Police worked with the Ontario Provincial Police, as well as municipal police in Montreal and Laval in the apprehension and return of the accused.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking involves recruiting, transporting, or controlling a person for the purpose of exploiting them—either sexually or through forced labour. Victims can be men, women, or children, including Canadian citizens, and may be moved across local, provincial, or national borders.
The Guelph Police Human Trafficking Unit is committed to investigating these crimes and supporting vulnerable individuals. Anyone affected is encouraged to come forward. Support services and exit strategies are available, regardless of their decision to proceed criminally.
For more information, visit the Guelph Police Service website.
If you require assistance:
- Victim Services Wellington – 519-824-1212, ext. 7304
- Guelph Police Service – 519-824-1212, or 911 in an emergency
- Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis – 519-836-1110 (business hours), 519-836-5710 (24/7 crisis line and shelter) or 1-800-265-7233 (24/7 crisis line and shelter toll-free)
