St. Catharines man charged in Niagara human trafficking probe

Niagara police have charged a St. Catharines man Monday as part of an ongoing human trafficking investigation in the Niagara Region.

Officers say an investigation began earlier this month into the trafficking of a woman within the region.

Investigators say they identified a male suspect and with the assistance of uniform officers, arrested 28-year-old Syed Shah in St. Catharines.

Shah has been charged with offences including procuring, assault and for mischief under $5,000.

Shah remains in custody pending a bail hearing Monday at a St. Catharines courthouse.

Detectives believe there may be other victims and are asking anyone who believes they could be a victim, or knows of anyone who has interacted with Shah — who is also known as “Fabs” — to contact police at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1029571.

Survivors of human trafficking are encouraged to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-833-900-1010, or by going to their website here.

READ MORE: Hamilton man faces charges after human trafficking investigation in Niagara Region