3 men facing human trafficking charges after ‘lengthy’ investigation
Posted Jul 21, 2026 10:23:13 AM.
Last Updated Jul 21, 2026 10:29:10 AM.
Multiple policing agencies partnered to arrest and charge three men in a human trafficking case that officers believe could have more victims.
Between 2025 and this year, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ottawa Police Service joined forces in what officials describe as a “complex investigation” into an organized human trafficking network between the nation’s capital and the Greater Toronto Area.
Police say in a press release that the case began in Ottawa and London, Ont. and later expanded to more cities, including Windsor, Toronto and Sarnia.
Through the work, police charged and arrested three men in Ottawa earlier this month:
- Moad ‘Benzi’ Ben Yahya, 28
- Abdulaziz ‘Zee’ Al-Zouaghi, 27
- Mohammad ‘Mur’ Elmuradi, 26
Each face “numerous” human trafficking and related charges.
Officials said they identified several women as potential victims, including six who have come forward and provided statements to officers.
However, police believe there may be more victims who have not been identified or have not come forward.
“We know that coming forward can be extremely difficult for victims of human trafficking,” the release reads. “Our priority is to ensure victims are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect while connecting them with the supports and resources they need. We encourage anyone who may have had contact with the accused or who believes they may have been victimized to reach out to police.”
Federal government investing in groups
Last week, the highest-tier government put forward $1.4 million in funding for six organizations across the country that combat human trafficking and support survivors.
Two community organizations in Nova Scotia will receive money, along with groups in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Windsor, Ont., and St. John’s, N.L.
One of the programs focuses on Indigenous women and girls, another is trying to prevent the exploitation of newcomers and yet another targets men and boys in an effort at prevention.
The government says 93 per cent of human trafficking victims who reported to police between 2014 and 2024 were women and girls.
About 63 per cent of those victims were under 25 years old.
With files from Devin Stevens, The Canadian Press
