4 people arrested in GTA human trafficking investigation involving girls ranging from 11 to 14 years old

Mohamad Omar Al-Saleh, 21, from Toronto; Mustafa Abdo, 22, from Toronto; and Yousif Al-Gburi, 20, from Mississauga have all been arrested and charged in connection with a human trafficking investigation. (Peel Regional Police handouts)

Three men and one youth have been arrested following a two-year investigation into human trafficking across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

In a release on Monday, Peel police said in January 2024, investigators with their Vice and Human Trafficking Unit began looking into allegations that several young female victims, ages 11 to 14 years old, were being trafficked and exploited in the sex-trade throughout the GTA.

It is alleged the suspects used “coercion, manipulation and threats of physical violence to maintain control and influence over the victims, while financially benefiting from their exploitation,” police said.

Mohamad Omar Al-Saleh, 21, from Toronto; Mustafa Abdo, 22, from Toronto; and Yousif Al-Gburi, 20, from Mississauga have all been arrested and charged with obtaining sexual services for consideration – person under 18 years, sexual assault – female under 16 years, and sexual interference.

Police add that a youth, 15, who cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was also arrested in connection with the investigation.

The youth was charged with multiple counts each of procuring – person under 18 years, receiving benefit resulting from trafficking in persons, material benefit from the sexual services provided by a person under 18 years, exercise control, direction or influence, and trafficking in persons under 18 years.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to contact investigators with at 905-453-2121, ext. 3555, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.