A 54-year-old Markham man is charged with luring a female youth into sexual encounters.
Investigators received information last December that a 16-year-old girl had been engaged in online activity since September 2023 when a man used a telecommunication device to contact and communicate with her for a sexual purpose, York Regional Police said in a news release.
The man exchanged messages with the youth and lured her into sexual encounters with himself, police said.
A suspect was identified and on Jan. 11, search warrants were executed at a residence and office in Markham.
Vytas Velyvis is charged with luring a person under 18 years of age, and obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years of age.
Investigators believe there are other victims who have not yet come forward. They are encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.
"Members of the human trafficking unit continue their determined efforts to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation. In many cases, these individuals are victims of crime who have been forced, coerced or lured into the sex trade. 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," police said.
A national hotline has been established through the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking for victims and survivors to reach out for assistance and for members of the public to report incidents of human trafficking. The number is 1-833-900-1010 or click on the following link.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6800, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
