Skip to content

Man charged with human trafficking, victims urged to come forward

Investigation began in August after York Regional Police received information about a victim who had been lured to work in the sex trade
2020-12-16 YRP Shan Latif 1
Shan Latif. Supplied photo/York Regional Police

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
********************************
Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit - Human Trafficking Section are asking any additional victims to come forward after a 38-year-old man was charged with human trafficking related offences.

In August 2020, an investigation began involving a suspect, Shan Latif, known to friends and potential victims as Kush. He was believed to be involved in human trafficking after investigators received information about a victim who had been lured to work in the sex trade.

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, the accused was arrested and has been charged.

Investigators are releasing images of the accused and want to encourage any additional victims to please come forward.

Charged:

  • Shan Latif, 38, City of Toronto
  • Also known as Kush

Charges include:
    •    Trafficking in persons
    •    Material benefit from trafficking in persons
    •    Material benefit from sexual services
    •    Advertising sexual services
    •    Procuring
    •    Uttering threats

The investigation is ongoing.

Members of the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit - Human Trafficking Section are continuing their aggressive efforts in combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and underage girls. In many cases, victims are forced into the sex trade through violence, threats of violence, coercion and trickery.

York Regional Police is committed to investigating all incidents relating to human trafficking and providing assistance to victims. Investigators are willing to speak with anyone involved in the sex trade who may be looking for a way out or who may require assistance to escape these dangerous circumstances.

A national hotline has been established through the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking to providean avenue for victims and Survivors to get assistance and for members of the public to report incidents human trafficking. The number to call is 1-833-900-1010. For more information please click on the following link: https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Human Trafficking Section at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6800, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

********************************