Six arrested, seven victims rescued in year-long human trafficking investigation
Posted November 12, 2021 4:22 pm.
Last Updated November 12, 2021 5:55 pm.
A year-long human trafficking investigation by police in the GTA has led to the arrest of six people and the rescue of seven victims.
Police began looking into a company called “Moon Waiting VIP” last November.
York, Toronto, Peel police, the OPP and the Canadian Border Services raided 20 locations across the GTA last week, most of which were suspected of being sex trade operations.
They seized more than $4 million from accounts operated by the man suspected of leading the group, almost $3 million in illegal cannabis, and 34 firearms along with ammunition.
Police say the seven victims were taken to safe locations and offered support.
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Di Luan, 38, of Markam – also known as Andy Luan, Vincent Luan, Chia Hao Cheng, and Jia Hoa Zheng – is facing a total of nine charges including trafficking in persons, material benefit from trafficking in persons, procuring and advertising sexual services.
Geoffrey Payumo, 51, of Scarborough, Jia Zhi Li, 47, of Markham, Ziyou Zhang, 28, of Markham, and Harold Lai, 40 of Richmond Hill are all charged with material benefit from trafficking in persons and procuring.
Jing Jin, 41, of Toronto is facing a drug charge.
Investigators say they are sharing the photo of Di Luan because they think he may be involved with other vulnerable women. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Police also want to remind victims of human trafficking who may be hesitant to come forward due to immigration status concerns that they have the right to support and protection under the laws in Canada.
If you need support but are not in immediate danger, you can contact the human trafficking hotline: 1-833-900-1010
