Halton Regional Police have charged a Toronto man with human trafficking following a recent investigation.
Steve Coelho, 40, is facing charges of:
- Trafficking in persons
- Material benefit from trafficking in persons
- Withhold or destroy documents
- Material benefit resulting from sexual services
- Advertise sexual services
- Procuring.
He has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Police believe there are additional victims in regards to this investigation and are asking anyone who has come into contact with Coelho (alias names of “Nikolai” or “Nik”) or who has information to call D/Cst. Moss of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 4961.
The following support services and resources are available in Halton for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:
- Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit: 905-825-4777, ext. 5239 or by email
- 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 and 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
Potential 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
- Having new items (clothing, jewelry etc.) outside their financial means.
If there's immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 911 or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
