The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest and laid multiple charges as a result of a two month Human Trafficking Investigation.

In April 2025, the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit entered into an investigation with the Peel Regional Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Intelligence Led Joint Forces Human Trafficking Team (IJFS). During the investigation two adult females were identified as being trafficked by the accused throughout Ontario during various periods in 2024 and 2025. During the course of the investigation it was found that the victims were forced to constantly work, and in fear for their personal safety as the accused used coercion, manipulation, physical violence, and psychological harm to maintain control and influence over the victims, while he benefitted financially from the exploitation.

On June 3, 2025, the accused was located and arrested in Hamilton and criminal code search warrants were executed in Hamilton and Grimsby.

As a result of the search warrants the following items were seized:

  • $37,385.00 in Canadian currency
  • Body armour
  • 11.2 grams of fentanyl
  • 5.9 grams of cocaine
  • Additional Human Trafficking related items of evidentiary value

As a result of the investigation Nathan Johnson (45) of Grimsby, has been charged with the following:

  • Human Trafficking (2 Counts)
  • Procuring (4 Counts)
  • Receive Material Benefit – Human Trafficking (2 Counts)
  • Receive Material Benefit – Sexual Services (2 Counts)
  • Advertise Sexual Services (2 Counts)
  • Assault (2 Counts)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 Counts – Fentanyl and Cocaine)

Johnson has been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

The accused is known to use the aliases of “Dingo” and “Dante” and Investigators believe there may be additional victims. A photo of the accused has been attached to this media release.

Anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by the accused is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.

The HRPS would like to thank the Peel Regional Police Service and the IJFS, along with additional HRPS investigative and support units for their assistance in this investigation.

The HRPS receives provincial funding and is part of the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS). The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of the Solicitor General, through the IJFS.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

The Halton Regional Police Service firmly believes that every person has the right to feel safe in our community.

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service. The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in our region 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 Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
  • Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
  • Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
  • THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256
  • ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) 905-878-9785 (24-hour crisis line)

Signs / Indicators 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 cell phone 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, jewellery, etc.) outside their financial means.

What Should I Do If I Think Someone is a Victim of Trafficking?

If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 9-1-1.

You may also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

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.

Media Inquiries:

Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca

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