9th February 2026 – Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has charged six males in a human trafficking investigation.
In January 2026, Project Firebird saw multiple individuals arrange meetings for sexual services with minors, despite the suspects being fully aware that they were communicating with minors.
Six males were taken into custody without incident and 19 charges were laid.
Manish SINGH, age 22 from 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, age 50 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.
Nickolas CHEN, age 24 from 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, age 33 from 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, age 27 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.
Christopher SMITH, age 39 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 were released on an Undertaking.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Winsor of the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.
