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Project Pacific: Results of collaborative human trafficking investigation

Project Pacific: Results of collaborative human trafficking investigation

May 31, 2023, Mississauga, Ont. – Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Specialized Enforcement Bureau (SEB) Vice Unit, along with assistance from law enforcement partners, have engaged in an intensive and multifaceted investigation. Project Pacific has resulted in identifying and supporting 13 human trafficking survivors, arresting and charging several suspects with human trafficking and drug related offences, and seizing over $48,000 together in property and currency.

Members of a criminal network had been operating several illegal bawdy houses in the City of Mississauga, exploiting victims of Chinese-descent within the sex trade. These vulnerable individuals were being exploited and victimized as a result of their limited ability to monetarily sustain themselves. Investigators identified several members of this criminal network benefiting financially from the exploitation of these victims.

“I want to thank the investigators for their diligence and determination in bringing this project to a successful conclusion, as well as to our community partners for providing care and wrap around supports for the survivors,” said Deputy Chief, Investigative and Emergency Services Command, Nick Milinovich. “Human trafficking is something that can happen anywhere, and in many cases, the victims don’t know they’re being exploited or are too afraid to come forward. We will not tolerate the victimization of vulnerable populations in our community.”

Through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO) supported Peel Regional Police Service’s joint investigation which worked closely with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police Service and Mississauga Compliance and Licensing Enforcement to ensure the successful outcome of this investigation.

On March 27, 2023, members of the SEB Vice Unit executed a residential and vehicle Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant in Mississauga and two residential Criminal Code search warrants in Milton, and Markham, resulting in the arrests of two women. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of Canadian and US currency and various other denominations, multiple cellphones, other electronic storage devices, and a quantity of drugs.

As a result of this investigation the following individuals have been charged: Leung Ngai, a 59-year-old female from Milton, and Yuan Yuan Zhang, a 39-year-old female from Markham.

On April 5, 2023, members of the SEB Vice Unit executed Criminal Code search warrants on five residences and two vehicles, resulting in the arrest of two women. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of Canadian currency and a quantity of drugs.

As a result of this investigation the following individuals have been charged: Yu-Hobley Lan, a 63-year-old female from Mississauga, and Kwai Lin Tso, a 55-year-old female from Mississauga.

All parties were held for a bail hearing and appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

On April 14, 2023, Eamonn Handrahan, a 71-year-old male from Mississauga, was charged as well.