Toronto man charged after allegedly grooming 14-year-old girl for human trafficking

Durham police have arrest Hammad Abowath for allegedly committing sexual offences against a minor.

Police believe there may be more victims after a 21-year-old Toronto man was arrested and charged in connection with alleged sexual offences involving a minor.

Last Friday, Durham Regional Police Service’s Human Trafficking Unit launched an investigation after learning that a 14-year-old girl was being “groomed for human trafficking.”

Police said a male, who went by the name “Ace,” contacted the teen unsolicited on Snapchat and claimed that he was18-years-old.

“The victim informed him that she was 14 years old, but the male continued to engage with her. During this time, the accused and victim met up on several occasions,” DRPS said in a news release.

On Wednesday, police executed a Criminal Code search warrant at the suspect’s residence on Brimley Road in Scarborough and arrested him without incident.

Hammad Abowath, 21, of Toronto, has been charged with sexual Interference with a person under 16 years of age and invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Police are asking anyone who may have been victimized by the accused or anyone with any information about this or similar incidents to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5600, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.