Investigators with the York Regional Police charged six people and located seven victims after a year-long investigation into a company involved in human trafficking in the GTA.
Investigators launched Project Eonni in November 2020 to investigate an organized group of suspects believed to be operating a company called Moon Waiting VIP involved in human trafficking.
York Police led a multi-force execution of 20 search warrants on November 3 at GTA locations suspected of being sex trade operations.
Four of the six defendants, including a woman, are residents of Richmond Hill and Markham.
Police seized more than $ 4 million from accounts operated by the main defendant, approximately $ 3 million in illegal cannabis and 34 firearms with ammunition.
Seven victims were located and connected to victim support services.
Investigators have released a photo of an accused man believed to be involved with other vulnerable women. They ask those victims to come forward.
“Any victim of human trafficking who hesitates to come forward due to concerns about their immigration status should be aware that they have the right to receive support and protection under the laws of Canada,” said YRP Const. Laura Nicolle.
Di Luan, 38, of Markham, is charged with human trafficking and material gain from human trafficking. He also faces two counts of obtaining, advertising sexual favors and careless storage of a firearm.
He is also charged with laundering the proceeds of crime, fraud of more than $ 5,000, and possession of the proceeds of property obtained for a crime of more than $ 5,000.
He is also known for using aliases that include Andy Luan, Vincent Luan, Chia Hao Cheng, Jia Hoa Zheng.
Geoffrey Payumo, 51, of Scarborough, Jia Zhi At, 47, from Markham, Ziyou Zhang, 28, from Markham, and Harold Lai, 40, Richmond Hill, are charged with procuring and subwaymaterial benefit from human trafficking.
Jing Jin 41, Toronto is accused of pCannabis ossession for distribution purposes.
Anyone with information should contact the York Regional Police Trafficking in Persons Section at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6800, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous notice online at www.1800222tips.com.
Reference-www.thestar.com