Halton Hills man charged with exploiting Mexican workers

A Halton Hills man has been arrested following an investigation into the trafficking of workers from Mexico.

Halton Regional Police say their investigation was launched along with the Ministry of Labour after receiving reports that Mexican nationals were being exploited for labour throughout Halton Region.

Police allege the victims were men who worked as general labourers for various projects including renovations, landscaping, and roofing.

The investigation led to search warrants being executed at a Halton Hills residence and an associated business (also in Halton Hills). Several items were seized by police as a result of these warrants.

Baryali Rahim Qul (37) alias “Bryan Hatt” of Halton Hills has been charged with the following:

• Five counts of trafficking in persons
• Five counts of material benefit from trafficking in persons
• Three counts of withholding identity documents

Rahim Qul has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Police believe there may be additional victims. Anyone who has information is asked to contact Detective Constable Serafini of the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4974.