Burlington man, 25, charged with human trafficking, sexual assault and extortion as Halton police seek help from public

A 25-year-old Burlington man faces multiple charges after a human trafficking investigation in Oakville by Halton police.

The man has been charged with trafficking in persons, adult procuring, sexual assault and extortion.

The man was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

Police believe there may be additional victims and ask that anyone with information contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 5331.

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact Halton police. The following is a list of support services and resources in Halton for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:

Halton Regional Police Service, Victim Services Unit: 905-825-4777, ext. 5239, or by email at VictimServices@haltonpolice.ca

Nina's Place: Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre: 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880

Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS): 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)

Radius Child & Youth Services: 905-825-3242 (Oakville) or 1-855-744-9001

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)

Thrive Counselling: 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256

If you think someone is being trafficked or there is immediate danger, call 911. You can also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

The following are signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking:

Not being allowed to speak for themselves;

Not having control of their own money or cellphone;

Suddenly having a new or second cellphone with a secret number;

Being controlled by others and escorted at all times;

Not being allowed to contact family or friends;

Withdrawing from family and friends;

Providing rehearsed answers to casual questions;

Being secretive about their activities;

Showing signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.;

Having a new boyfriend, girlfriend or friend who they won't introduce to friends/family; and

Having new items (clothing, jewelry, etc.) outside their financial means.

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24-7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public. The hotline uses a victim-centered approach when connecting human trafficking victims and survivors with local emergency, transition and/or long-term supports and services across the country, as well as connecting callers to law enforcement where appropriate.