In December 2025, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) initiated a human trafficking project that focused on the demand for commercialized sexual services from youth within Niagara Region.
The HTU led the investigation with the support from the Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE), Offender Management Unit (OMU), Repeat Offender and Parole Enforcement Unit (ROPE), Special Investigative Services Unit (SIS), Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Street Crime Unit (SCU), and 2 District Uniform members.
As a result of the investigation, three males were arrested and charged.
On December 1, 2025, the HTU arrested a 36-year-old St. Catharines male, who is facing the following criminal charges:
Luring a child via telecommunications for the purpose of obtaining sexual services for consideration under 18 years, contrary to Section 172.1(1)(1)(a) of the Criminal Code Obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years, contrary to Section 286.1(2) of the Criminal Code
The incident associated to that male is subject to a judicial publication ban and as such his name cannot be released.
On December 2, 2025, the HTU arrested 33-year-old Gurpreet SINGH of Niagara Falls, who is facing the following criminal charges:
Luring a child via telecommunications for the purpose of obtaining sexual services for consideration under 18 years, contrary to Section 172.1(1)(1)(a) of the Criminal Code Obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years, contrary to Section 286.1(2) of the Criminal Code
On December 2, 2025, the HTU arrested 22-year-old Mehdi BUDAK of Niagara Falls, who is facing the following criminal charges:
Luring a child via telecommunications for the purpose of obtaining sexual services for consideration under 18 years, contrary to Section 172.1(1)(1)(a) of the Criminal Code Obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years, contrary to Section 286.1(2) of the Criminal Code
The St. Catharines male, SINGH, and BUDAK were held in custody pending their bail hearings at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Niagara Regional Police Service Chief Bill Fordy states:
“These arrests reflect the unwavering commitment of our members to protecting those who are most vulnerable to exploitation. Human trafficking is a predatory and deeply harmful crime, and these results send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in our community.
Our Service remains steadfast in combating human trafficking through coordinated intelligence-led enforcement and proactive investigations.
A victim-centred approach coupled with integrated resources are essential to supporting survivors and ensuring offenders are held accountable. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to disrupt this crime and safeguard those at risk in our community.”
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Survivors of Human Trafficking are encouraged to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-833-900-1010 or on the internet link CLICK HERE. This is a 24/7 confidential support resource available in over 200 languages.
For more information about community support options for survivors of Human Trafficking and the Niagara Regional Police Service’s efforts to combat Human Trafficking CLICK HERE.
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