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Victims urged to come forward after man charged with human trafficking

York Regional Police has arrested a 31-year-old man from Toronto
2020-09-02 human trafficking Sam Park 1
Sam Park faces human trafficking-related charges. Supplied photo/York Regional Police

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit - Human Trafficking Section are asking any additional victims to come forward after a 31-year-old man was charged with human trafficking-related offences.

In January 2020, an investigation began involving a suspect who was believed to be involved in human trafficking after investigators received information about a potential victim who had been forced to work in the sex trade.

On Aug. 11, 2020, the accused was arrested and has been charged.

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

Charged:
    •    Sam Park, 31, of Toronto

Charges:
    •    Trafficking in persons
    •    Material benefit from trafficking in persons
    •    Material benefit from sexual services x3
    •    Advertising sexual services x3
    •    Procuring x2

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 provide an 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.

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.

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