NEWS RELEASE
HALTON REGIONAL POLICE
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The Halton Regional Police Service has arrested and charged a suspect in relation to a sex trafficking investigation in Halton.
In June, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) began an investigation into a report of an adult female who was allegedly being trafficked by the suspect within the Region of Halton.
Members of the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit took carriage of the investigation and determined that over the course of approximately one year the suspect (allegedly) physically abused the victim, created online advertisements, exercised control over aspects of the victim’s life and profited financially from it.
As a result of the investigation, on June 27, Aleksandar Lazic (43) of Toronto was arrested and charged with the following:
- Trafficking in Persons
- Receiving Material Benefit
- Procuring/Exercise Control
- Advertising
- Assault Cause Bodily Harm
- Assault.
Lazic has been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Investigators believe there may be additional human trafficking victims in the Greater Toronto Area. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747, ext 4973.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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 [email protected]
- 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 or 1-855-744-9001
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
- THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256.
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, jewellery, 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-centred 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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