Chris Doucette

Six men arrested after human trafficking investigation in Durham focused on minors

Durham police are announcing a big bust in a human trafficking investigation focused on people trying to meet up with minors.

Their Human Trafficking Unit launching an on-going initiative called “Project Firebird,” to combat those trying to buy sexual services from people under 18-years-old. Officers say the project also educates and support victims and potential victims of these crimes and addresses concerns raised by community members.

In January, Project Firebird saw multiple people arranging meetings for sexual services with minors, even though the suspects were fully aware they were talking to minors.

Six men were arrested and face a combined 19 charges.

• Manish Singh, 22, of Brampton is charged with luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.
• Bruce Herrington, 50, of Ajax is charged with luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.
• Nickolas Chen, 24, of Markham is charged with luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, invitation to sexual touching under 16 and obstruct police.
• Sarang Kapdi, 33, of Pickering is charged with luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.
• Leodee Ayoyao, 27, of Oshawa is charged with luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.
• Christopher Smith, 39, of Oshawa is charged with luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16.

All were released on an undertaking.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.

You can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).