Police Rescue 64 Mexicans From Human Trafficking Ring in Ontario

Police have saved 64 Mexican-born workers from being exploited by a humantrafficking ring operating across the Greater Toronto Area. Seven people were arrested, five on multiple criminal charges. The trafficking ring was also dismantled.

According to police, the victims lived in an apartment. “deplorable conditions” Overcrowding was a major problem, with many people sleeping on mattresses on a floor. They were also starved and subject to coercion, including the use of mattresses on the floor. “isolation, a lack of freedom, being financially bound, threats, and sexual assault.”

“This Case Has Affected Everyone profoundly. Our Members Were Surprised At The Conditions That The For victims Were Living in, You are welcome Nothing More [than] To Do Anything They Could To Help They,” Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida from the York Regional Police, YRP said at a press conference March 3,

Police executed search warrants on five properties in Vaughan and Toronto, along with the Town of East Gwillimbury, 60 km north of Toronto, on February 8. Five individuals were taken into police custody and charged.  Two other suspects remain in hiding. The following provides a list of the accused, their charges, and video and photo evidence. YRP press release.

They were lured to Canada by the promise of better opportunities & better lives. They found themselves in terrible living conditions and exploitation.

Our investigators were able to rescue 64 Mexican nationals who were being trafficked in labour through Project Norte. https://t.co/p5giuQIYoi pic.twitter.com/LR3Gei5HCK

— York Regional Police (@YRP) March 3, 2023

Of the five arrested are two Canadian citizens: Tre Trinh, a 45-year-old male, and Thi Him Huyen, a 49-year-old female. The other three charged are Mexican nationals: Jesus Navarrete Garcia (51) and Monserrat Monjaras (42) respectively. Hiram Amaury Martez Rodriguez (48) was also arrested.

Rosales Gomez (a 31-year old male) and Garcia Galvan (a male whose location and age are unknown) were issued warrants by the police.

The successful rescue operation came after a months-long investigation, dubbed “Project Norte,” After receiving information from the YRP about Mexican nationals being used for labor in the region, the investigation was launched in November 2022. The release stated that the investigation was supported by numerous security agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Ontario Provincial Police.

False Promises

According to the criminal organization, “enticed the victims into Canada” The police stated that the victims were promised well-paid work, better living standards, and other opportunities such as documentation. According to a police report, victims ended up living in substandard conditions and were used for manual labor at warehouses, factories, and farms across the Greater Toronto Area. YRP press release.

Almeida encouraged other victims of human trafficking and urged them to seek assistance.

“People That You can find it here Been Trafficked exploited In This Way Are Often desperate. They’re scared to seek help. Worried that they may be the ones arrested and deported, and fearful of retribution from their traffickers,” He stated.

“We’re here to send a message to anyone finding themselves in a similar situation, and that message is: ‘We are here to help.'”

A victim assistance centre was established in partnership with a local faith organization. Local businesses also provided Mexican-style food to the victims. 53 of the 64 victims accepted the assistance offered by YRP Detective. Sgt. Gary McBride spoke to reporters.

He also pointed out that the Mexican consulate at Toronto provides support and services to its citizens.