From November 6 to November 8, 2023, members of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Human Trafficking Unit commenced Project Lonestar. This is the second phase of this proactive project, which has the goal of identifying and arresting offenders communicating to obtain sexual services from females under the age of 18.   

During the investigation, several suspects arranged meetings for sexual services, despite being advised that they were communicating with a female who was only 15 years of age. 

As a result of the project, six accused were arrested and charged with: 

  • Communicating for the Purpose of Obtaining for Consideration the Sexual Services of a Person Under the Age of 18 

“Human Trafficking is hidden beneath the surface but exists in communities all over Ontario. It is an alarming and reprehensible crime. Traffickers are recruiting victims as young as 13 years of age. The conditions, situations, manipulation, exploitation and violence that victims endure are unimaginable”, said Inspector Dave Costantini of Regional Investigations and Emergency Services who oversees the Service’s initiatives in relation to Human Trafficking. “The HRPS Human Trafficking Strategy mirrors our National and Provincial plans, taking an enhanced approach. Our Service will continue to utilize proactive and preventative measures such as Project Lonestar to identify, prosecute and hold accountable those who would engage in the predatory victimization of our most vulnerable”, Costantini added.

Project Lonestar is the second in as many years to target those who are willing to obtain sexual services from children. In 2022, the HRPS conducted Project Embark, a similar project that spanned three days. These investigations utilize covert investigative techniques, and due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the HRPS will not be releasing the names of the accused at this time. 

If you are victim or human trafficking or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) urges you to cal1 9-1-1 or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. Additional information and resources can be found on the HRPS website, here.

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.


Media Inquiries:

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