Peel Police Charge 15-Year-Old as Kingpin in GTA Child Sex Trafficking Ring
In a deeply disturbing case that has shaken law enforcement, Peel Regional Police have dismantled a child sex trafficking network operating in the Greater Toronto Area, arresting four males including a 15-year-old boy alleged to be the kingpin. The victims, young girls exploited in the sex trade, were as young as 11 years old.
"Reprehensible" Crimes Against Children
Peel Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich condemned the operation, stating, "These crimes are reprehensible and a complete violation of any sense of decency." The investigation, which began in January 2024, revealed that suspects used coercion, manipulation, and threats of physical violence to control victims aged 11 to 14, financially benefiting from their exploitation.
The 15-year-old accused, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, faces multiple serious charges:
- Three counts of procuring a person under 18
- Two counts of receiving benefit from trafficking in persons
- Two counts of material benefit from sexual services by a person under 18
- Three counts of exercise control, direction, or influence
- Trafficking in persons under 18
Remarkably, this alleged ringleader has not yet reached his 16th birthday, while none of his victims have turned 15.
Adult Co-Accused and Ongoing Investigation
Three adult males have also been charged in connection with the trafficking ring:
- Mohamad Omar Al-Saleh, 21, of Toronto
- Mustafa Abdo, 22, of Toronto
- Yousif Al-Gburi, 20, of Mississauga
They face charges including obtaining sexual services from a person under 18, sexual assault of a female under 16, and sexual interference. The investigation remains active, with authorities concerned that additional victims may exist within this human trafficking network.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Vice and Human Trafficking Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3555, or anonymously through Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Support for Victims and Law Enforcement Response
Victim Services is currently working with the rescued survivors to provide necessary care and support. Deputy Chief Milinovich emphasized, "We are very thankful that it has been stopped and survivors rescued. Our service is committed to fighting human trafficking and working with our partners to get survivors the care they need."
This case highlights the alarming reality of child exploitation in the GTA. Peel Police's Vice and Human Trafficking Unit has been actively engaged in pre-crime measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Staff Sgt. Bob Hackenbrook noted the unit's dedication, stating, "It's important to the officers involved to know they helped protect the victims of human trafficking. It's a very committed group who work hard to protect the vulnerable. The victims here were children."
The involvement of a minor as an alleged trafficker underscores the complex and disturbing nature of these crimes, where both perpetrators and victims can be children, while customers are typically adults. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against human trafficking and the critical need for community vigilance and law enforcement intervention.
