Durham police say they have charged 12 people in Project Firebird, a proactive enforcement initiative targeting individuals who were allegedly looking to purchase sexual services from a 15-year-old.
The operation took place over 10 days in October.
Detective Sergeant Michael Naccarato said police placed an online ad targeting those seeking to purchase sexual services from a person represented to be 15 years old.
He said it was made “very clear” through communication that the person in the ad was 15.
“Despite that, several individuals continued communicating and arranged to meet with someone that they believed to be a 15-year-old child,” Naccarato said. “The advertisement received more than 8,000 views in the time it was live, and generated responses from individuals who expressed interest and, in some cases, arranged meetings.”
The 12 individuals who were charged are now facing a combined 37 charges, police said.
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Deputy Chief Ryan Connolly said the operation highlights a growing concern for police over the rising proportion of children and youth represented in human trafficking cases.
In 2024, 41 per cent of the victims and individuals identified as “at risk” were under the age of 18. In 2025, that increased to 49 per cent. Connolly said the “at risk” designation includes those who have actually been trafficked as well as those who have been contacted for trafficking.
“So far in 2026, 55 per cent are under the age of 18,” Connolly said. “In real numbers, that represents 87 young people in 2024, 95 in 2025, and 96 so far this year. That should concern every one of us. More than half of the victims and individuals identified as at risk this year are children.”
The 12 men charged range in age from 22 to 64 and are from around the GTA. They are all facing charges of luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18 and invitation to sexual touching under 16. Police named them as follows.
- Mohamed Shaffee, 64, of Markham
- Joshua Reid, 49, of Simcoe,
- Andre Mcgann, 43, of Scarborough,
- Mayan Ranjan, 39, of Ajax,
- Zaheed Mohamed, Age 40, of Brampton
- Suresh Ravuru, Age 41, of Ajax
- Clement Chan, Age 36, of Whitby
- Mohammad Mabboobi, Age 22, of Oshawa
- Md Uzzal Mridha, Age 49, of Scarborough
- Samiullah Azizi, Age 29, of Clarington
- Vincent Haresco, Age 46, of Oshawa
- Devin Hill, Age 42, of Clarington
The charges have not yet been proven in court.
“The response investigators saw through Project Firebird also reinforces why the online environment remains an important area of focus to our human trafficking unit,” Naccarato said. “Those who seek to exploit children increasingly use online platforms to make contact and facilitate that activity.
He urged anyone concerned for themselves or others to reach out to police.
“If you are being exploited or you are concerned about someone who may be at risk, please reach out. You do not have to navigate this alone,” Naccarato said.
“Our investigators can help individuals with available supports. The Region of Durham has also established a support network for survivors and provides information to help parents and caregivers better understand and recognize the signs of human trafficking.”
Investigators are asking anyone with further information to contact their human trafficking unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.
