In August 2024, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit commenced an investigation.
The alleged trafficking of a female over the age of 18 occurred throughout the Cities of Toronto and Niagara Falls.
As a result of the investigation, a male and female suspect were identified.
On Tuesday October 8th, 2024, detectives with the NRPS Human Trafficking Unit, assisted by 2 District uniform officers, Special Investigative Services, Sexual Assault Unit, Technological Crimes Unit, Forensic Services Unit, and the Emergency Task Unit conducted several search warrants across Niagara and Toronto along with officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Integrated Joint Forces Strategy Human Trafficking Team, Biker Enforcement Unit, and Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit. They were also assisted by Hamilton Police Emergency Services, and Halton Regional Police Service and Toronto Police Service Human Trafficking detectives.
A male and female suspect were located and arrested in the City of St. Catharines.
Sascha El-Abiad (47) of St. Catharines is facing the following criminal charges:
Human trafficking, s. 279.01 Criminal Code Receiving material benefit, s. 279.02(1) Criminal Code Sexual Assault, s. 271 Criminal Code (2 counts)
Paisley Rose West McClymont (31 years) of St. Catharines is facing the following criminal charges:
Human trafficking, s. 279.01 Criminal Code Receiving material benefit, s. 279.02(1) Criminal Code
El-Abiad and West McClymont are being held in custody pending a bail hearing, which is expected to take place October 8, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.
El-Abiad is a full patch member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
Due to the nature of the investigation, detectives have reason to believe that there may be additional victims and are releasing a photo of both accused in the hope that more survivors or witnesses come forward.
The NRPS Human Trafficking Unit would like to acknowledge the assistance of Victim Services Niagara and Victim Services Toronto.
Anyone who may have more information is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009548.
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.
QUOTE
“The dedicated work of our investigators, working collaboratively with our provincial policing partners clearly demonstrates that this predatory behaviour will not be tolerated in our community.
Through this investigation, our detectives have dismantled a human trafficking operation that preyed on vulnerable members of our community, with the hopes of bringing more survivors to safety.”
Chief of Police Bill Fordy
#24-95647
Survivors of Human Trafficking are encouraged to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-833-900-1010 or on the internet 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