Eleven people have been arrested following an undercover operation targeting “demand for underage sex work,” according to the Ottawa Police Service.
Police say officers with the Human Trafficking Unit launched an investigating in collaboration with the Internet Child Exploitation Unit and support from the Ontario Provincial Police Human Trafficking Intelligence-led joint forces strategy.
“The initiative focused on identifying and apprehending individuals seeking to exploit minors, while reinforcing law enforcement’s commitment to protecting vulnerable youth and disrupting human trafficking activities,” police said in a media release.
“The operation, commonly referred to as a ‘john sting,’ targeted individuals attempting to purchase sexual services from people they believed to be under the age of 18 through online platforms and other communication methods.”
Police say during the operation, undercover officers posing as underage individuals engaged with people online “attempting to arrange sexual services.”
A total of 26 charges were laid, including obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 and telecommunication with a person under or believed to be under 18 years for specific criminal offences.
Police did not release the names of the people arrested.
“This operation sends a clear message that the sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable persons will not be tolerated in our community,” Sgt. Amanda Larche said.
“Human trafficking is driven by demand, and enforcement efforts targeting purchasers is critical in protecting victims and preventing exploitation.”
Police say anyone with information regarding suspected human trafficking or child exploitation can contact the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222 ext. 5625 or email mcm@ottawapolice.ca.
