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Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a Toronto human trafficking investigation.
Last month, Toronto police’s Human Trafficking Unit launched an investigation after two suspects allegedly trafficked a 23-year-old victim through a combination of “deception, coercion and control.”
Investigators say the suspects transported the victim to different locations to meet clients and provide sexual services.
Police say the victim’s earnings were turned over to the suspects, who kept the money.
On May 22, officers executed a search warrant at a Toronto address and arrested a man and a woman.
Kailen Richard Wareham, 35, and Ava Ashouri, 27, both from Toronto, are charged with multiple offences, including trafficking in persons over 18, procuring, material benefit from sexual services, material benefit from trafficking, withholding or destroying travel or identity documents, advertising another person’s sexual services and uttering threats.
The charges have not been tested in court.
The accused were scheduled to appear in court Friday.
Toronto police say there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
