February 1, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters Staff Correspondent
RICHMOND HILL, ON — Police have rescued three missing teenage girls from Quebec in a human trafficking investigation in York Region, Ontario, and charged two individuals a Toronto man and a teenage boy with human-trafficking-related offences, authorities confirmed Sunday.
York Regional Police said officers received a tip on January 27, 2026 suggesting that the missing teens might be in the York Region and potentially being sexually exploited. Investigators moved quickly on the information and located a residence of interest in Richmond Hill, northeast of Toronto, where the girls were believed to be held.
Upon entering the home under exigent circumstances, police found the three girls and took them into protective custody. A 23-year-old man from Toronto and a 17-year-old male suspect were arrested at the scene and now face multiple human-trafficking-related charges, including allegations of exploiting persons under the age of 18.
Police have not yet released the identities of the teens due to their status as minors. York Regional Police noted there is concern that there may be additional victims, and investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the broader inquiry.
Human trafficking especially involving children and youth is a serious criminal offence in Canada. The Criminal Code of Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act explicitly prohibit trafficking in persons, including sexual exploitation and forced labour, and law enforcement agencies across the country work in cooperation to disrupt networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
This latest case in York Region underscores persistent concerns among Canadian authorities about the exploitation of minors through trafficking and sexual exploitation, and highlights the ongoing need for community vigilance and law enforcement coordination.