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In January 2025, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) initiated a human trafficking investigation. The investigation focused on the alleged trafficking of a female over the age of 18 which occurred throughout the Region of Niagara.  

The HTU investigated the alleged offences with the support from the NRPS Domestic Violence Unit, Special Investigative Services, Child Abuse Unit, and 2 District and 3 District Street Crime Units. As a result of the investigation, a male suspect was identified as Sanjay FERGUSON (31 years), from Welland, Ontario. FERGUSON is also believed to go by the alias names of ‘Kevin Ontario’, ‘DJ KV’, and ‘Mr. Provincial’.

On April 17th, 2025 the HTU and assisting units executed search warrants at two locations in the City of Welland and arrested Sanjay FERGUSON. As a result of the investigation Sanjay FERGUSON has been charged with the following criminal charges:

  • Trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 279.01(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Receive a financial or other material benefit, contrary to Section 279.02(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Advertise sexual services of person over 18 years of age, contrary to Section 264.1, subsection (2) of the Criminal Code
  • Utter threats to cause death, contrary to Section 264.1, subsection (2) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (2 Counts)

FERGUSON is being held in custody pending a bail hearing, which is expected to take place Friday April 18th, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.

Due to the nature of the investigation, detectives have reason to believe there are additional witnesses and are urging them to come forward. Detectives also believe that there may be additional victims and/or survivors and are requesting they come forward.

Anyone who may have information related to this investigation is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009742.

The NRPS Human Trafficking Unit also recognizes the ongoing assistance of Victim Services Niagara and other members of the Anti-Human Trafficking Response Protocol of the Niagara Region.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Survivors of Human Trafficking are encouraged to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-833-900-1010 or on the internet CLICK HERE.  This is a 24/7 confidential support resource available in over 200 languages.

For more information about community support options for survivors of Human Trafficking and the Niagara Regional Police Service’s efforts to combat Human Trafficking CLICK HERE.

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