Three missing Quebec girls rescued in Richmond Hill, Toronto man and teen charged with human trafficking, police warn of potential additional victims

Three missing teenage girls from Quebec were rescued from a Richmond Hill home this week after police acted on intelligence suggesting they were being sexually exploited, leading to the arrest of a Toronto man and a teenage boy now facing multiple human-trafficking–related charges.

According to CTV News website, York Regional Police received information suggesting the missing girls were in the area and may have been victims of sexual exploitation.

A residence of interest in Richmond Hill was identified and attended by police within a matter of hours.


Police said in a press release,” Shortly after arriving, two female youths were seen leaving the residence with an adult male in a vehicle.”

Police intercepted the vehicle and took the man into custody.

Citing exigent circumstances, officers entered the residence, where they found the third missing girl and apprehended a 17-year-old boy. The adult suspect is 23-year-old Shaikh Sabahat of Toronto, while the teenage suspect cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The pair have each been charged with three counts of exercising control, direction or influence over someone under 18, three counts of a householder permitting sexual activity, and one count of failure to comply with an undertaking.

Police released an image of Sabahat, saying investigators believe there may be additional victims.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6800, or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).