2 men arrested for human trafficking in Burlington, GTA

Halton police release photos of two men charged after an extensive human trafficking investigating.

Two men have been arrested after an underage girl was sexually trafficked in Burlington and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Details of the two-year long investigation were shared by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) in a news release on Thursday.

Police said the investigation began in February of 2023, after receiving reports of a 17-year-old girl being sexually trafficked by a male suspect operating in the GTHA.

Investigators said they later identified three additional adult women as victims of sexual trafficking by the same man.

Photos of the victims were posted on social media alongside advertised sexual services, police said, and the suspect made money off the sales.

A second suspect was identified later in the investigation in connection with the trafficking of one of the adult victims.

Police said they arrested Aaron Verghese, 22, of Burlington for human trafficking (child victim), making, possessing, and distributing child pornography, and other charges. He was apprehended in December of 2023.

William Osei-Opoku, 28, of Pickering, was arrested earlier this week on Jan. 28. Police said he has been charged with human trafficking, knowingly advertising sexual services and others.

None of the charges against either man have been tested in court.

HRPS investigators believe there may be more human trafficking victims and said Verghese typically used the alias “Ace” while Osei-Opoku used the alias “Jay.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.