Chris Doucette

PROJECT FIREBIRD: Online ad for sex with kids gets 6,678 clicks in four days

Durham cops say Project Firebird investigators posted the ad to ID those interested in purchasing sexual services from persons under 18

Cops in Durham Region have turned up the heat on pedophiles and their latest investigation suggests countless creeps lay in wait online looking to have sex with kids.

Durham Regional Police say the "ongoing" initiative — dubbed Project Firebird — is a proactive effort by the Human Trafficking Unit that aims to identify those who are interested in purchasing sexual services from persons under 18 while also providing education and support to victims or potential victims.

"This initiative involves the use of undercover officers who pose as young persons on the internet," Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss said in a statement released Thursday.

"An ad was published to create the illusion that individuals can purchase sexual services from minors," she said, explaining the ad was visited an astonishing 6,678 times in four days and received messages from more than 600 phone numbers.

During the month of November, Bortoluss said investigators identified and arrested five suspects, charging each of them with luring a child for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18 years, obtaining sexual services under 18 years, and invitation to sexual touching under 16 years.

The accused are Krish Subiah, 37, of Clarington, Rajwant Singh, 30, of Belleville, Mahbubar Rahman, 48, of Pickering, Sarangan Kirupamoorthy, 28, Whitby, and Rajasekaran Natarajan, 38, of Clarington.

Police urge parents and caregivers to have "open discussions with the minors in their lives about recognizing the signs of human trafficking."

A support network for survivors of human trafficking has been established in Durham Region and can be accessed at www.stopht.com.

Victim Services of Durham Region is also available for anyone needing free, confidential support without judgment by visiting www.victimservicesdurham.ca.

Anyone with any information relevant to this investigation is asked to call the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5600, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).