Seven Facing Charges After Project Firebird Human Trafficking Investigation
Seven males have been charged after the completion of a human trafficking investigation in Durham Region.
Members of the Durham Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) launched an ongoing initiative, dubbed Project Firebird, to combat the purchase of sexual services from minors in Durham Region.
Between May and June 2024, Project Firebird saw multiple individuals arrange meetings for sexual services with minors.
Seven males were taken into custody without incident.
Idrish PATEL, age 25 from Whitby 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.
Eric VOLPERT, age 59 from 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.
Othniel BROUET, age 27 from Whitby 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.
Haroon MOHAMMADI, age 26 from 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.
Marcus JOHNSTON, age 26 from Whitby 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.
Thomas PEVALIN, age 24 from Whitby 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.
Daniel EURIPIDOU, age 32 from 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 parties were released on an Undertaking.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Heron of the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.
The DRPS thanks the Ontario Government for its funding support of our Children at Risk of Exploitation (CARE) unit. Our CARE unit combines the expertise of police officers and child protection workers to identify, investigate, locate and engage with children and youth at high risk of child sex trafficking. If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking, please come forward to our investigators for support. The Region of Durham has established a support network for survivors, accessible through www.stopht.com. Parents and caregivers can also use this resource to educate children about recognizing the signs of human trafficking.
Victim Services of Durham Region offers confidential support without judgement, available at www.victimservicesdurham.ca.
Together, we can make a difference in combating human trafficking. If you have any information or concerns, please reach out to the DRPS Human Trafficking Unit.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.
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