Two people arrested in Ottawa following interprovincial human trafficking investigation

An interprovincial human trafficking investigation has resulted in two arrests and numerous charges.

The 10-month investigation dubbed “Project Nebula” began in September 2023, and was launched by the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS).

Project Nebula was launched in response to reports of suspected human trafficking in eastern Ontario, but as the investigation progressed, police discovered the trafficking activities extended into southern Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

On July 9, 2024, two individuals were arrested in Ottawa, a 45-year-old from Brampton and a 33-year-old from Sydney, Nova Scotia.

The pair have each been charged with multiple offences, including a total of 17 human trafficking charges and 19 human trafficking-related charges.

Both accused appeared in court in Ottawa on August 23, 2024 and remain in custody ahead of their next appearance on September 9, 2024.

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Also, three female victims were identified, and it’s believed there could be more victims out there.

A publication ban has been issued and further information will not be released.

The 20 participating police agencies involved in Project Nebula include:

• Anishinabek Police Services
• Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service
• Barrie Police Service
• Durham Regional Police Service
• Greater Sudbury Police Service
• Halton Regional Police Service
• Hamilton Police Service
• Kingston Police
• London Police Service
• Niagara Regional Police Service
• Ontario Provincial Police
• Ottawa Police Service
• Peel Regional Police
• Peterborough Police Service
• Six Nations Police Service
• Thunder Bay Police Service
• Toronto Police Service
• Treaty Three Police Service
• Windsor Police Service
• York Regional Police