Police say three men have been arrested after a lengthy investigation into an organized human trafficking network operating between Ottawa, the Greater Toronto Area, and communities across the province.
On Monday, the Ottawa Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police announced the results of a joint investigation into human trafficking that was conducted between 2025 and July 2026.
The investigation originated in Ottawa and London, but was expanded to other communities across Ontario, including Windsor, London, Toronto, and Sarnia, according to police.
Moad Ben Yahya, (aka ‘Benzi’) 28, Abdulaziz Al-Zouaghi, (aka ‘Zee’) 27 and Mohammad Elmuradi, (aka ‘Mur’) 26, were arrested in Ottawa on July 8. The three suspects face numerous human trafficking-related charges.
Police say six women have come forward and provided statement to investigators.
Police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified or who have not yet come forward.
“We know that coming forward can be extremely difficult for victims of human trafficking,” police said in a news release.
“Our priority is to ensure victims are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect while connecting them with the supports and resources they need. We encourage anyone who may have had contact with the accused or who believes they may have been victimized to reach out to police.”
An investigation is ongoing by members of the OPP’s Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Unit East Team and the Ottawa Police Service’s Human Trafficking Unit.
“Human Trafficking investigators will respect victims’ wishes regarding whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking. The reporting of these incidents by victims to police is key for investigators to identify suspects and determine crime trends,” police say.
Anyone with information about the suspects or the investigation is encouraged to contact the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit at humantrafficking@ottawapolice.ca or 613-236-1222, ext. 5895.
