Joint human trafficking investigation leads to three arrests; police seek additional victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 20, 2026  2:10 p.m. 

(Ottawa) –The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Unit East Team, in partnership with the Ottawa Police Service through the Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS), is seeking additional victims following a lengthy multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigation that resulted in the arrest of three men from the Ottawa area.

Between 2025 and July 2026, investigators from the OPP Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Unit East Team and the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit conducted a complex investigation into an alleged organized human trafficking network operating between Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area. The investigation originated in the Ottawa and London regions and expanded to multiple communities across Ontario, including Windsor, London, Toronto, and Sarnia.

The investigation was supported through strong partnerships between IJFS policing partners, including the Ottawa Police Service, London Police Service, and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). As a result of the investigation, three men were arrested in Ottawa on July 8, 2026.

The accused are:

• Moad Ben Yahya, (aka ‘Benzi’) 28
• Abdulaziz Al-Zouaghi, (aka ‘Zee’) 27
• Mohammad Elmuradi, (aka ‘Mur’) 26

The three accused face numerous human trafficking and human trafficking-related charges.

Throughout the investigation, several women were identified as potential victims. To date, six women have come forward and provided statements to investigators. Police worked closely with these victims to ensure they received immediate access to specialized supports and services.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified or who have not yet come forward.

“We know that coming forward can be extremely difficult for victims of human trafficking," said investigators. "Our priority is to ensure victims are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect while connecting them with the supports and resources they need. We encourage anyone who may have had contact with the accused or who believes they may have been victimized to reach out to police."

The investigation remains ongoing as members of the OPP Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Unit East Team and Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit continue efforts to identify and speak with additional potential victims and witnesses.

Human Trafficking investigators will respect victims’ wishes regarding whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking. The reporting of these incidents by victims to police is key for investigators to identify suspects and determine crime trends.

Anyone with information about the accused individuals or this investigation is encouraged to contact the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit at [email protected] or 613-236-1222, extension 5895.

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