6 people from GTA accused of arranging meetings with minors for sex services

A Durham Regional Police patch is shown in Bowmanville, Ont. on Tuesday Feb. 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Doug Ives

Six people from the Greater Toronto Area have been arrested after they allegedly arranged meetings with minors for sexual services.

Durham police said the arrests are a result of “Project Firebird,” which is their initiative to fight “the purchase of sexual services from minors” in the region.

In January, investigators determined multiple individuals allegedly arranged meetings despite knowing that they were communicating with minors.

The accused have been identified as 22-year-old Manish Singh from Brampton, 50-year-old Bruce Herrington from Ajax, 24-year-old Nickolas Chen from Markham, 33-year-old Sarang Kapdi from Pickering, 27-year-old Leodee Ayoyao from Oshawa, and 39-year-old Christopher Smith from Oshawa.

They have each been charged with luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18 and invitation to sexual touching under 16.

Chen is facing an additional charge of obstructing police.

Police said they have all been released on an undertaking.

Durham police noted that “Project Firebird” also “educates and supports victims and potential victims of these crimes and addresses concerns raised by our community members.”