Update 2 – 19-Year-Old Male Arrested in Connection with Ongoing Human Trafficking Investigation
Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) have continued their investigation into the trafficking of a woman within the Niagara Region which began in May of 2026. Detectives have identified a third male suspect.
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, HTU detectives, along with the assistance of uniform officers from 3 District (Welland/Pelham), arrested, 19-year-old Darren WILLIAMS, of no fixed abode, in the city of Welland.
Williams has been charged with the following offences.
- Trafficking in Persons
- Procuring
- Utter Threats
- Forced Marriage
- Procuring Feigned Marriage
Williams remains in custody pending a bail hearing, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.
Detectives 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 Williams to contact them at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1029548.
Survivors of Human Trafficking are encouraged to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-833-900-1010 or on the internet CLICK HERE. This is a 24/7 confidential support resource available in over 200 languages.
Human Trafficking means every person who recruits, transports, transfers, receives, holds, conceals, or harbours a person, or exercises control, direction or influence over the movements of a person, for the purpose of exploiting them or facilitating their exploitation, for a sexual purpose or forced labour purpose. Victims can be men, women, or children; can be Canadian citizens; and can be moved across local, provincial, or national borders. They can be coerced through violence or the threat of violence against family and friends.
For more information about community support options for survivors of Human Trafficking and the Niagara Regional Police Service’s efforts to combat Human Trafficking CLICK HERE.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
NRPS Incident 26-64065, 26-63472