Arrests Made in Largest Human Trafficking Case in HRPS History
A ten-month multi-jurisdiction investigation dubbed Project Troubadour has resulted in the Halton Regional Police Service’s largest Human Trafficking case in the history of the service, with 9 individuals arrested and 85 criminal charges laid.
In September 2025, a female came forward to police as a victim of exploitation, initiating an investigation into the alleged incidents in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Alongside Peel Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and with the support of Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), HRPS investigators allege that the accused parties used coercion, deception, manipulation, and psychological harm to maintain control, direction, or influence over the victims. The investigation identified twelve victims who were subjected to commercial sexual exploitation over an extended period of time.
On July 13, 2026, police executed ten criminal code search warrants at various residences across the GTA. As a result, 9 accused parties were arrested and the following items were seized:
- Lamborghini Urus
- Mercedes-Benz S550
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
- 2 Seadoo GTR
- A quantity of drugs including cocaine, cannabis, oxycodone and psilocybin
- Approximately $30,000 in Canadian and US currency
- An estimated $450,000 in high-end jewelry
- Electronic devices
As a result of the investigation the following individuals have been arrested and charged:
Omar Brooks (40) of Burlington (Alias Syph):
- Instruct to Commit for Benefit of a Criminal Organization
- Trafficking in Persons (3 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons (3 Counts)
- Procuring - Exercise Control (9 Counts)
- Procuring - Illicit Sexual Intercourse
- Procure to Become a Prostitute
- Living off the Avails of Prostitution
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services (7 Counts)
- Advertise Sexual Services
- Assault with a Weapon
- Assault (3 Counts)
- Utter Threats
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Christian Collins (31) of Milton (Alias Killah Da Crook, Cam):
- Trafficking in Persons
- Receive Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons
- Procuring - Exercise Control (3 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services (2 Counts)
- Advertise Sexual Services
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
- Conspire to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – (4 Counts) Cocaine, Psilocybin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution - Cannabis
Michelle Dimarco (33) of Burlington (Alias Coco, Ivy Love):
- Instruct to Commit for the Benefit of a Criminal Organization
- Trafficking in Persons (2 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons (2 Counts)
- Procuring – Exercise Control (7 Counts)
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services (6 Counts)
- Advertise Sexual Services
- Utter Threats
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Nicholas Bennett (32) of Mississauga (Alias D-Boy Bennett, Benz):
- Procuring – Exercise Control
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Merlyn Brooks (74) of Burlington:
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Malinda Brooks (45) of Burlington:
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Malisha Brooks (45) of Burlington:
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime
Johnathan Green (40) of Toronto:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution - Cannabis
Jaidis Brooks-Reynolds (26) of Mississauga (Alias J-Rip Severe, Drippy, JD):
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose of Distribution - Cannabis
- Breach of Release Order
All accused were held in custody pending their respective bail hearings in Milton.
The HRPS would like to recognize officers with Peel, Toronto, Niagara, London, Guelph, Waterloo, Hamilton and the Ontario Provincial Police for their assistance in this investigation. The HRPS wishes to acknowledge the invaluable support from our partners including: Criminal Intelligence Services of Ontario (CISO), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG), Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel Halton (EFRY), Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) and the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), for their collaboration and support during this investigation.
The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation. The HRPS receives provincial funding and is part of the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS). The IJFS is committed to combatting human trafficking through intelligence gathering and working cooperatively with law enforcement and community partners to support victims and enforcement efforts. Integrated resources, the sharing of information, a victim-centric approach, and community partnerships are critical to law enforcement’s effective response to this kind of crime.
"Human trafficking is one of the most serious and disturbing crimes we investigate. It exploits vulnerable individuals for profit, fuels organized crime, and leaves lasting physical and psychological harm that extends far beyond the survivors themselves. This is not a crime that exists in isolation—it affects the safety, security, and well-being of our entire community. Our service remains committed to identifying those responsible, supporting survivors, and working with our policing and community partners to disrupt these criminal networks and ensure offenders are brought before the courts." Deputy Chief Jeff Hill, Investigative and Frontline Support Services.
"Behind every human trafficking investigation is a survivor whose trust, freedom, and dignity have been taken from them. These individuals are not responsible for the circumstances they have endured—they are survivors of exploitation who deserve compassion, support, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Our priority is not only to hold traffickers accountable, but to ensure survivors know they are not alone and that our service, together with our community partners, is committed to helping them find safety, support, and hope." Superintendent David Costantini, Commander, Regional Investigative Services.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Photos of the accused individuals are attached to this media release. Anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by the accused is asked to contact the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5241.
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.
Project Troubadour is ongoing and investigators are anticipating further charges being laid.
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
