2 Toronto men charged after woman allegedly sexually exploited in Peel
Joshua Maranhao, 32, and Nigel Opoku, 29, both of Toronto, have been arrested and charged in a human trafficking investigation in Peel Region. (PRP photos)
Two men from Toronto are each facing several charges after a woman was allegedly sexually exploited in Peel Region.
Last month, Peel Regional Police (PRP) began a human trafficking investigation after learning that a man “exercised control over aspects of (her) life and profited financially from it.”
On June 7, investigators from PRP’s Specialized Enforcement Bureau arrested and charged 32-year-old Joshua Maranhao of Toronto. They said that he was found to have a quantity of controlled substances and a loaded firearm.
Maranhao is facing numerous charges, including exercise control, direction, or influence, derive material benefit, advertise sexual services, criminal harassment, uttering threats, possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
A loaded gun was allegedly found on a man who was arrested on June 7 in connection with a Peel Region human trafficking investigation. (PRP photo)
Nigel Opoku, 29, of Toronto, whom police said was with Maranhao, was also arrested.
He is facing a slew of charges, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Both men were held for bail hearings in Brampton.
Investigators believe there may be more victims, especially in the GTA, and are asking anyone with information to contact PRP at 905-453-2121, ext. 3555, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'I recognize these footsteps': How Trump and 'coyote' smuggling changed life at the border
Bent signs bolted to the rail threaten fines and imprisonment should violators cross the boundary into the United States, a warning many people are choosing to ignore simply by walking around the barrier.
She took a DNA test for fun. Police used it to charge her grandmother with murder in a cold case
According to court documents, detectives reopened the cold case in 2017 and then worked with a forensics company to extract DNA from Baby Garnet's partial femur, before sending the results to Identifinders International.
Danielle Smith announces new team to patrol Alberta-U.S. border
Premier Danielle Smith says her government will create a team of specially-trained sheriffs tasked with patrolling the Alberta-U.S. border.
Law firm warns $47.8B First Nations child welfare reforms could be lost with election
A legal review commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations is warning a $47.8-billion deal to reform the First Nations child welfare system could be moot if there's a change in government in the upcoming year.
Doug Ford says cutting off U.S. energy supply amid tariff threats a 'last resort'
Premier Doug Ford says that cutting off the energy supply to the U.S. remains a “last resort” amid the threat of a promised 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods but he is warning that his government is ultimately prepared to use “every tool” in its toolbox “to protect the livelihoods of the people of Ontario.”
Man who set fires inside Calgary's municipal building lost testicle during arrest: ASIRT
Two Calgary police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in an incident that saw a suspect lose a testicle after being shot with an anti-riot weapon.
Ho ho, oh no: Man sought by police goes down chimney and gets stuck
A Massachusetts man trying to escape from police shimmied down the chimney. And got stuck.
Housing unaffordability still rising despite billions in government measures: PBO
The Parliamentary Budget Officer says the number of households in need is still rising even though Canada is spending billions of dollars a year to address housing affordability,
Video shows moments before a plane crashes into a busy Texas intersection
Four people sustained non-life-threatening injuries after a small plane crashed into a busy intersection in Victoria, Texas, Wednesday.
Montreal
-
Montreal homicide rate dropped by more than 20 per cent in 2023: Statistics Canada
Newly released figures from Statistics Canada shows that the rate of homicides in the Montreal area dropped significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year.
-
Quebec to pay 30 times more for power out of N.L. plant after decades-long dispute
Quebec and Newfoundland announced today a new arrangement that will see Quebec pay 30 times more for power from the Churchill Falls hydroelectricity plant in Labrador.
-
Montreal restaurant forced to close after driver crashes into building
With the holidays fast approaching, one Montreal restaurant was forced to close its doors after a driver crashed into it on the weekend.
Ottawa
-
NEWNEW Crews begin removing cargo from ship stuck in St. Lawrence River in eastern Ontario
Crews have started work on a new attempt to refloat a cargo ship that ran aground in the St. Lawrence River nearly three weeks ago.
-
Here's what will cost more in the 2025 City of Ottawa budget
Ottawa residents will be paying more to board the O-Train and buses, have the garbage picked up, turn on the taps, park on city streets and use recreation facilities in 2025. CTV News Ottawa looks at things that will cost more in Ottawa next year.
-
Ottawa police warning of ongoing card swap scam involving taxis and rideshares
The Ottawa Police Service says it continues to receive reports of a card swap fraud involving illegitimate taxis or rideshares.
Northern Ontario
-
Stabbing in wooded area of Sudbury results in attempted murder charge
Sudbury police have charged a man, 28, with attempted murder after a stabbing in wooded area off Leslie Street on Wednesday night.
-
She took a DNA test for fun. Police used it to charge her grandmother with murder in a cold case
According to court documents, detectives reopened the cold case in 2017 and then worked with a forensics company to extract DNA from Baby Garnet's partial femur, before sending the results to Identifinders International.
-
Sudbury police lay IPV charges after person shows up on neighbour's doorstep
A Sudbury man, 32, is in custody facing eight intimate partner violence charges after his significant other showed up at a neighbour's door asking to call police.
Kitchener
-
'Enough is enough': Doug Ford says Ontario could hand encampment drug users $10,000 fines, prison
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing a suite of measures to help municipalities “address and dismantle” homeless encampments around the province, including steep fines for people who use drugs.
-
Marathon budget meeting ends without setting Waterloo Region budget
Waterloo Region Council was expected to set the 2025 budget on Wednesday, but after a marathon meeting, councillors left the horseshoe without making a final decision.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
London
-
40 to 80 cm of snow in some areas: Blizzard and snow squall warnings up across the region
Blizzard and snow squall warnings have rolled across much of southern Ontario – with up to 15 centimeters expected today, and blowing snow reducing visibility on roadways.
-
Blizzard warning shuts down large parts of Midwestern Ontario
It was a day to stay home, if you could, across much of Midwestern Ontario due to weather.
-
Road closures with deteriorating conditions
Police across the region are warning drivers of deteriorating road conditions and poor visibility as snow squalls move through the region.
Windsor
-
Shots fired in South Windsor, one injured
An investigation is underway after the Windsor Police Service said multiple shots were fired at a group of people in South Windsor.
-
One injured in Windsor kitchen fire
One person has been injured following a kitchen fire in Windsor.
-
Woman charged after throwing pot of coffee in Chatham business: CKPS
Chatham-Kent police charged a woman who allegedly threw a pot of coffee when asked to leave a business in Chatham.
Barrie
-
Significant weather event declared in Owen Sound amid blizzard warning
The City of Owen Sound has declared a significant weather event with the region under a blizzard warning on Thursday as lake-effect snow squalls hammer the area.
-
Jack-knifed tractor-trailer in Gravenhurst as squalls continue
A jack-knifed tractor-trailer caused lane closures along Highway 11 near Bethune Drive South in Gravenhurst.
-
Teen arrested in connection to threat made toward high school: OPP
Provincial police arrested a 17-year-old from Bolton accused of making a threat toward a local high school.
Winnipeg
-
'Concerning:' Manitoba homicides spiked in 2024
Manitoba RCMP has seen a spike in homicides in 2024.
-
New hammer rule to be tested at next Grand Slam of Curling event
As far as curling experiments go, a new rule that will be used at the next Grand Slam competition looks like a doozy.
-
Extreme cold to 'linger' in southern Manitoba: ECCC
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is warning Manitobans that the extreme cold will likely “linger” until Thursday night into Friday morning.
Atlantic
-
Bass River, N.S., bridge partially collapses
A bridge in Bass River, N.S., partially collapsed on Wednesday. The wooden structure was under construction when one side gave way and fell into the river.
-
N.S. Premier Tim Houston reveals new cabinet, department names
The new cabinet for the Nova Scotia government will have its swearing-in ceremony Thursday afternoon.
-
Deal between Ottawa and N.S. First Nation over contested fishery nearly done: lawyer
The lawyer for a Mi'kmaq band that has battled Ottawa over its lobster harvest rights says a deal settling the "centuries-old" fishing dispute is nearly complete.
N.L.
-
Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador announce energy deal to resolve decades-old dispute
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have reached a sweeping deal to develop new energy projects in Labrador and end a decades-old contract that has long been a thorn in the side of Canada's easternmost province.
-
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador expected to sign Churchill Falls energy deal
Quebec Premier François Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey are scheduled to announce an energy agreement Thursday that could end decades of friction between the two provinces.
-
Newfoundland towns light up harbours to honour fishers and pray for their safety
On a twinkling wharf in a small Newfoundland town, a crowd of about 100 people stopped singing and chatting on Friday night to bow their heads in a moment of silence for local fish harvesters.
Edmonton
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Edmonton police chief to assume leadership roles in Alberta public service, executive council
Dale McFee will start a job in the high level of Alberta's government three days after his last day as the chief of Edmonton Police Service in February.
-
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley quitting legislature seat as of Dec. 30
Former Alberta premier and NDP Leader Rachel Notley is leaving the legislature.
-
Boyle Street health hub scrapped in Old Strathcona
After more than two years of preparation and pushback, plans for a new health hub in Old Strathcona have been scrapped.
Calgary
-
WATCH LIVE @ 2PMWATCH LIVE @ 2PM Calgary police to hold news conference following assault victim's death
Calgary police will hold a news conference on Wednesday to speak about the death of a young woman found badly injured on Calgary's Nose Creek Pathway on Monday.
-
Man who set fires inside Calgary's municipal building lost testicle during arrest: ASIRT
Two Calgary police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in an incident that saw a suspect lose a testicle after being shot with an anti-riot weapon.
-
Danielle Smith announces new team to patrol Alberta-U.S. border
Premier Danielle Smith says her government will create a team of specially-trained sheriffs tasked with patrolling the Alberta-U.S. border.
Regina
-
Three charged after Regina police officer assaulted during break and enter investigation
Three people are facing a lengthy list of charges after a break and enter investigation led to a Regina police officer being assaulted and injured Tuesday night.
-
Regina General Hospital parkade set to open, will provide 686 more parking spots
The grand opening of a new parkade at Regina's General Hospital was celebrated on Thursday. Staff and visitors to the medical centre will be able to use the new facility on Monday.
-
Sask. extreme cold warnings enter second day with warm up forecasted
Much of central and southern Saskatchewan, including Regina and Saskatoon, remain under an extreme cold warning Thursday morning.
Saskatoon
-
Nearly 1,500 people in Saskatoon are homeless, according to the latest count
Nearly 1,500 people in Saskatoon are homeless, according to the latest point-in-time (PiT) Count conducted by the city and outside partners.
-
Prince Albert police release photo of suspect in family/grandparent scam
The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) is releasing a photo of a person of interest in connection with a family/grandparent emergency scam following multiple reports.
-
Historic University of Saskatchewan building slated for possible demolition
There is a building on the University of Saskatchewan campus that has been an eyesore for a few years, and now the historic building is slated for demolition. However, historians want campus officials to rethink the plan to get rid of it.
Vancouver
-
Man charged after victim pinned to tree with vehicle in Victoria
A 34-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly striking a man with his vehicle and pinning him against a tree in Victoria, causing serious injuries.
-
Star centre J.T. Miller set to return to Vancouver Canucks lineup against Panthers
Star centre J.T. Miller will return to the Canucks’ lineup on Thursday when Vancouver hosts the Florida Panthers.
-
Drugs, weapons seized from North Vancouver home in trafficking investigation
A raid of a home in North Vancouver last month yielded a significant amount of drugs and guns, according to authorities, who say two children were present when the home was searched.
Vancouver Island
-
Man charged after victim pinned to tree with vehicle in Victoria
A 34-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly striking a man with his vehicle and pinning him against a tree in Victoria, causing serious injuries.
-
Police say 42 vehicles vandalized in 'campaign of destruction' in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties are investigating after more than 40 vehicles were vandalized in what police described as a "campaign of destruction" across Nanaimo, B.C.
-
Star centre J.T. Miller set to return to Vancouver Canucks lineup against Panthers
Star centre J.T. Miller will return to the Canucks’ lineup on Thursday when Vancouver hosts the Florida Panthers.
