Seven men facing charges in major human trafficking investigation in Durham

Seven men have been charged in connection with a major sex trafficking investigation involving minors in Durham Region.

Named Project Firebird, the major investigation launched between May and June of 24 by members of the Durham Regional Police Service’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) focused on the purchase of sexual services from minors in the region.

Over the two months, the HTU alleges they witnessed “multiple individuals” arrange meetings for sexual services with minors.

Seven males were taken into custody without incident.

Idrish Patel, 25, from Whitby 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.

Eric Volpert, 59, 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.

Othniel Brouet, 27, from Whitby 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.

Haroon Mohammadi, 26, 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.

Marcus Johnston, 26, from Whitby 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.

Thomas Pevalin, 24, from Whitby 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.

Daniel Euripidou, 32, 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 parties were released with a promise to return to court.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Detective/Constable Heron at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5600.