Man, woman charged with 44 offences in GTA human trafficking case

Published Aug 15, 2025 • 2 minute read

Tyrique Harmer, 22, of Hamilton faces 22 charges in connection with a Toronto human trafficking investigaton. Photo by Toronto Police

Two people are facing 44 combined charges in a human trafficking investigation in the Greater Toronto Area that began in June.

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It’s alleged that through a combination of deception, coercion and control, the accused trafficked 14-year-old and 17-year-old female victims and the money they earned was surrendered to and kept by the accused.

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It’s further alleged the victims had their on-line ads for sexual services created and administered by the accused, included the taking of sexualized pictures and the victims were transported to different hotels by the accused to meet clients for sexual services.

On Thursday, Tyrique Harmer, 22, of Hamilton, and Maria Toth-Taddeo, 21, of Toronto, was arrested and each charged with 14 trafficking-and-procuring related charges, four firearm-related charges and four child pornography-related charges.

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Accused sex trafficker — Maria Toth-Taddeo, 21, of Toronto faces 22 charges in connection with a human trafficking investigation in Toronto. TORONTO POLICE HANDOUT Photo by TPS

Investigators believe that there may be more victims or any other victims are encouraged to please contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4838 or humantrafficking@torontopolice.on.caor Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.

BREAK AND ENTER

Toronto Police is requesting the public’s assistance identifying two suspects in connection with a break-and-enter.

It’s reported that on Aug. 1 at 3:56 p.m. in the Woodbine Ave.-Queen St. area, a male and female suspect gained access into a condo building by following a resident and entered a unit while the victims were not home.

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Police said the victim returned home and found the two suspects inside their residence and the suspects fled, taking property belonging to the victims.

The first suspect is male, about 6 feet, 30-35 years old, with an average build, dark-coloured hair, and a black beard. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, dark-coloured shorts, baseball hat, and white running shoes.

The second suspect is female, standing about 5-foot-8, 30-35 years old, with an average build, and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a beige crewneck sweater, black leggings, and black running shoes.