Human Trafficking Operation Dismantled in Ontario as Two Men Arrested
| 2025-03-25
Canadian police arrest two men in Oakville, Ontario, following a human trafficking probe involving multiple victims and financial evidence from FINTRAC.
Canadian police arrest two men in Oakville, Ontario, following a human trafficking probe involving multiple victims and financial evidence from FINTRAC.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has confirmed the arrest of two men alleged to be central figures in a human trafficking network operating in southern Ontario. The investigation, which began in July 2024, was supported by intelligence from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
According to police, the investigation was initially launched after an adult woman was identified as a potential trafficking victim in Oakville, a suburban town in the Greater Toronto Area. As the inquiry progressed, evidence suggested that multiple other women had also been exploited.
Investigators allege the accused used a combination of coercion, physical abuse, psychological manipulation and intimidation to control the victims, while profiting from the exploitation. Financial records provided by FINTRAC reportedly helped link the suspects to further victims.
Arrests and Charges
On 20 March 2025, officers executed search warrants at two locations in Oakville. The raids resulted in the seizure of cocaine, cash, a stolen motorcycle, electronic devices, and documents belonging to victims.
Two individuals were taken into custody and now face multiple charges.
Rayon Powell, aged 38, of Oakville, who is also known by the aliases Dante, Michael Williams, and Kash, has been charged with a total of 22 offences. These include trafficking in persons, procuring, sexual assault, voyeurism, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Gebre Byrnes, aged 46, also of Oakville and using the aliases G and Jason Peters, faces several similar charges, including trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, and possession of criminal property. Both men remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Support and Ongoing Investigation
The HRPS confirmed the operation was part of the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS), funded by the Government of Ontario. The strategy aims to coordinate provincial efforts in disrupting organised human trafficking networks.
Photographs of the accused were released alongside the announcement. Investigators believe additional victims may yet come forward and are urging the public to assist.
“Every person has the right to feel safe in our community,” the HRPS said in a statement, encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Scott Heyerman or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
Victim Support Resources
Authorities are urging individuals affected by sexual exploitation or domestic violence to seek support. A number of resources are available in the region, including:
• Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit
• Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre
• Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS)
• Kids Help Phone (24-hour crisis line)
• THRIVE Counselling
• ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids)
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is also available nationwide at 1-833-900-1010. The hotline operates 24/7 and provides confidential support, multilingual assistance, and connections to emergency or long-term services.
Context
Human trafficking is considered a serious and growing concern in Canada, involving both domestic and international victims. Victims are often lured by false promises of employment or financial gain and later subjected to exploitation. The Canadian government has committed to enhancing awareness, inter-agency coordination, and victim-centred approaches to counter trafficking activities.
This case underscores the importance of financial intelligence and collaborative law enforcement in identifying and dismantling complex exploitation networks across the country.
According to police, the investigation was initially launched after an adult woman was identified as a potential trafficking victim in Oakville, a suburban town in the Greater Toronto Area. As the inquiry progressed, evidence suggested that multiple other women had also been exploited.
Investigators allege the accused used a combination of coercion, physical abuse, psychological manipulation and intimidation to control the victims, while profiting from the exploitation. Financial records provided by FINTRAC reportedly helped link the suspects to further victims.
Arrests and Charges
On 20 March 2025, officers executed search warrants at two locations in Oakville. The raids resulted in the seizure of cocaine, cash, a stolen motorcycle, electronic devices, and documents belonging to victims.
Two individuals were taken into custody and now face multiple charges.
Rayon Powell, aged 38, of Oakville, who is also known by the aliases Dante, Michael Williams, and Kash, has been charged with a total of 22 offences. These include trafficking in persons, procuring, sexual assault, voyeurism, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Gebre Byrnes, aged 46, also of Oakville and using the aliases G and Jason Peters, faces several similar charges, including trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, and possession of criminal property. Both men remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Support and Ongoing Investigation
The HRPS confirmed the operation was part of the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS), funded by the Government of Ontario. The strategy aims to coordinate provincial efforts in disrupting organised human trafficking networks.
Photographs of the accused were released alongside the announcement. Investigators believe additional victims may yet come forward and are urging the public to assist.
“Every person has the right to feel safe in our community,” the HRPS said in a statement, encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Scott Heyerman or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
Victim Support Resources
Authorities are urging individuals affected by sexual exploitation or domestic violence to seek support. A number of resources are available in the region, including:
• Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit
• Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre
• Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS)
• Kids Help Phone (24-hour crisis line)
• THRIVE Counselling
• ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids)
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is also available nationwide at 1-833-900-1010. The hotline operates 24/7 and provides confidential support, multilingual assistance, and connections to emergency or long-term services.
Context
Human trafficking is considered a serious and growing concern in Canada, involving both domestic and international victims. Victims are often lured by false promises of employment or financial gain and later subjected to exploitation. The Canadian government has committed to enhancing awareness, inter-agency coordination, and victim-centred approaches to counter trafficking activities.
This case underscores the importance of financial intelligence and collaborative law enforcement in identifying and dismantling complex exploitation networks across the country.
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