Durham Regional Police Service
605 Rossland Rd. E. P.O. Box 911 L1N 0B8 Oshawa, ON, Canada

Today marks #TransDayOfRemembrance . We honor and remember all those who have lost their lives due to transphobic violence. We continue to work with our communities to work towards a world free of transphobia. D/Chief Bertrim and Sgt Samuels raised the flag today at our Regional Headquarters.

Toronto Man Charged with Human Trafficking A Toronto man has been charged with human trafficking offences and investigators are attempting to confirm there are no other victims. On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, members of the DRPS Human Trafficking Unit were conducting a proactive initiative and located a 19-year-old female victim being forced to work in the sex trade and all of her money was being taken. The victim had met the accused on a dating app. She was brought to vario...us hotels in Ontario. Investigators located the suspect on scene; however, he fled on foot. On Thursday, November 19, 2020, the male was located and arrested without incident at Toronto Pearson Airport. The accused was attempting to flee to another province with the victim. The accused has ties to Hamilton, Barrie, Toronto, and Peel Region. Sydney BUNKUNA, age 22 of Toronto, is charged with: Trafficking Person Over 18, Material benefit from Trafficking in Person over 18, Procuring-Recruit person to provide sexual services, Procuring-Exercise Control, Obtain Sexual Services for Consideration, Advertising Sexual Services and Material Benefit from Sexual Services. He was held for a bail hearing. A photo of the accused is attached as investigators are attempting to confirm there are no other victims. Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to call D/Cst. Belanger of the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 3719. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward. -30-

Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of OPP Cst Marc Hovingh. The 28-year veteran of the OPP died from injuries sustained while bravely serving in the line of duty. #HeroesInLife

Whitby Male Charged with Child Luring In early October 2020, an investigation into the luring of a child under 18 was initiated and a joint investigation between members of the DRPS Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit and the Internet Child Exploitation Unit commenced. As a result, Stephen BALL, age 61, of Whitby was arrested and charged with Possession of Child Pornography, Access Child Pornography and Luring a Child. He was held for a bail hearing and later released. ... Investigators have received information that BALL has previously been in a position of trust or authority as a counsellor and/or social worker and would like to ensure there are no other victims. A photo is attached or can be viewed at www.drps.ca under Newsroom. . Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. Connolly of the Major Crime Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5339 Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward. -30-

Along with everyone else, fraudsters are gearing up for the holiday shopping season. During #InternationalFraudAwareness week take a moment to remind your staff about counterfeit cash & fraudulent gift and credit cards. Also check gift card packaging for signs of tampering.