The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has announced the largest human trafficking investigation in its history, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals and the laying of 85 criminal charges following a ten-month, multi-jurisdictional investigation known as Project Troubadour.
The investigation began in September 2025 after a woman came forward to police alleging she had been exploited. Working alongside Peel Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and with support from Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), investigators uncovered an alleged human trafficking network operating across the Greater Toronto Area.
Police allege the accused used coercion, deception, manipulation, and psychological abuse to control victims and force them into commercial sexual exploitation. Investigators identified 12 victims who were allegedly exploited over an extended period.
On July 13, 2026, officers executed 10 search warrants at residences across the GTA, leading to the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of several luxury assets and other evidence, including three luxury vehicles—a Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes-Benz S550, and a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT—along with two Sea-Doo watercraft. Police also seized quantities of cocaine, cannabis, oxycodone, and psilocybin, approximately $30,000 in Canadian and U.S. currency, an estimated $450,000 worth of high-end jewelry, and multiple electronic devices.
Among those charged is Omar Brooks, 40, of Burlington, who faces numerous offences, including trafficking in persons, procuring, receiving material benefit from trafficking, assault, uttering threats, laundering proceeds of crime, and instructing others to commit offences for the benefit of a criminal organization.
Christian Collins, 31, of Milton, is charged with trafficking in persons, procuring, receiving material benefit from trafficking and sexual services, drug trafficking offences, laundering proceeds of crime, and conspiracy.
Michelle Dimarco, 33, of Burlington, also faces multiple trafficking-related charges, including procuring, receiving material benefit, uttering threats, and money laundering.
Additional accused include Nicholas Bennett, 32, of Mississauga; Merlyn Brooks, 74, of Burlington; Malinda Brooks, 45, of Burlington; Malisha Brooks, 45, of Burlington; Johnathan Green, 40, of Toronto; and Jaidis Brooks-Reynolds, 26, of Mississauga, who face various offences related to procuring, laundering proceeds of crime, receiving material benefits, drug trafficking, and breaching release conditions.
All nine accused were held in custody pending bail hearings in Milton.
HRPS credited police services in Peel, Toronto, Niagara, London, Guelph, Waterloo, Hamilton, and the Ontario Provincial Police, along with several provincial and federal agencies and victim support organizations, for assisting with the investigation.
Deputy Chief Jeff Hill described human trafficking as one of the most serious crimes investigated by police, saying it exploits vulnerable individuals, fuels organized crime, and leaves lasting physical and psychological harm. Superintendent David Costantini emphasized that supporting survivors remains a priority while holding traffickers accountable.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information or who may have been victimized by the accused to contact the Halton Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit. The investigation remains ongoing, and police say additional charges are anticipated.
Police also reminded the public to be aware of common indicators of human trafficking, including individuals being closely controlled by others, lacking access to their own money or phone, withdrawing from family and friends, providing rehearsed answers, or displaying unexplained signs of abuse.
