Niagara police make 13 arrests in human trafficking sting operation

Thirteen men have been charged for their attempts to solicit sex from minors following an elaborate human trafficking sting operation carried out in Niagara Falls.

According to a report, officers with Niagara’s human trafficking unit developed a project that targeted people who were using the internet to communicate with young people who were believed to be offering sexual services for money.

The project involved law enforcement officials at all levels, including RCMP, OPP, Canada Border Security Services, the Department of Homeland Security and local police.

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The sting managed to nab 13 individuals over a four-day period at a Niagara Falls hotel.

A court-ordered publication ban has prevented police from naming those involved, but officers are circulating the following list that includes sex, age and the location where the offenders are from:

• Male (31 yrs.) Niagara Falls
• Male (51 yrs.) Niagara on the Lake
• Male (52 yrs.) St. Catharines
• Male (25 yrs.) Thorold
• Male (50 yrs.) Thorold
• Male (23 yrs.) Welland
• Male (22 yrs.) St. Catharines
• Male (33 yrs.) Windsor
• Male (20 yrs.) Niagara Falls
• Male (44 yrs.) St. Catharines
• Male (60 yrs.) Buffalo New York
• Male (37 yrs.) Niagara Falls
• Male (27 yrs.) Niagara Falls

All 13 individuals are facing a range criminal offences involving minors and soliciting sexual services. Police say they have all attended video bail hearings.

“These arrests showcase the dedication of our members in ensuring some of the most vulnerable members of our community are protected,” Bill Fordy, Niagara’s police chief said.