Ashley Hyshka

Eight men charged with solicitation of a minor in undercover London police operation

Eight men from across the London, Ont. area have been charged after communicating with someone they believed to be a minor in exchange for sexual services following a joint London police-OPP sting operation.

According to a news release from the London Police Service, an operation spearheaded by the London police's Human Trafficking Unit last week, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police - Intelligence Led Joint Forces Strategy (OPP-IJFS) has resulted in charges being laid against eight men.

Police say the operation was conducted online where the eight men communicated with an undercover officer to obtain sexual services. In each of the cases, the men were aware they were communicating with someone who they believed to be under the age of 18.

As a result of the two-day operation, between October 28 - 29, 2025, the following individuals were arrested and charged for their alleged involvement with communication for the purpose of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years:

• A 22-year-old man from London
• A 31-year-old man from London
• A 34-year-old man from Woodstock
• A 27-year-old man from London
• A 31-year-old man from London
• A 31-year-old man from London
• A 27-year-old man from London
• A 26-year-old man from London

Each of the accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in London court between Nov. 27 - Dec. 11, 2025.

"Crime knows no boundaries, and neither do our efforts to combat it. Working with other police services and partner organizations strengthens investigations," London police said in a statement. "Through collaboration, we can share intelligence, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. Together, we make our communities safer."