Second suspect charged in Niagara human trafficking investigation

Niagara police have charged a second suspect in an ongoing human trafficking investigation involving the trafficking of a woman within the Niagara Region this month.

On Thursday, officers arrested 29-year-old Joshua Shirley in the area of Queenston and Niagara streets in St. Catharines.

Shirley was charged with trafficking in persons, procuring, utter threats and forced marriage.

He remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Thursday at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

READ MORE: London, Ont. man charged for human trafficking in Niagara

Police charged Anshul, a man from London, Ont. with trafficking in persons on Tuesday.

They say it is understood that Anshul also lived in Brampton until recently.

Detectives say they believe that there may be other victims and are asking anyone who believes they may be a victim, or knows of anyone who has had an interaction with Shirley to contact them at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1029548.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Niagara by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

Survivors of Human Trafficking are encouraged to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-833-900-1010 or online.

READ MORE: Hamilton man charged after overnight vehicle theft at Grimsby home