A Kingston, Ont., man facing 76 charges including human trafficking, sexual assault and creating child pornography has been a “prominent” figure in the city’s tech sector for the past few years, according to one of his 18 alleged victims.
Michael Mark Haaima, 37, was arrested in April on charges only announced by police on Monday. The alleged crimes involved at least two juvenile victims, according to court records.
One victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, told CBC News that Haaima was a well-known member of the tech industry.
“Making it even more confusing,” she said via message, “a prominent Kingston figure with influence. It’s a terrifying thing.”
According to an article published in ReFINEd Kingston Magazine, Haaima started a one-person web design company called Ferus Media in 2011 before partnering with others to officially launch Aviio Digital in early 2018.
The latter company, which operated out of downtown Kingston, specializes in web design as well as e-commerce solutions, search engine optimization, brand development and digital marketing, according to the article.
Before going into business himself, Haima spent several years at Kingston design firms, the article added.
The victim is doing “whatever I can to get over it”
While court records obtained by the CBC specifically name 10 victims in Haaima’s case, a total of 18 victims have been identified, with the potential for more to come forward, according to the OPP.
The charges against Haaima include 18 counts of sexual assault, five counts of unlawfully accessing child pornography, and four counts of forcible confinement, as well as (but not limited to):
- Sexual assault with suffocation.
- Compulsions to commit cruelty.
- Procurement of a person under the age of 18.
- Trafficking in persons under 18 years of age.
- Making threats to cause death or bodily harm.
- Enticing to create child pornography.
- Making child pornography.
- Blackmail.
- Criminal harassment.
- Overcoming resistance by choking.
- Voyeurism.
The victims are both adults and youth, reports the OPP.
While police say 76 charges have been filed, court records list only 60 crimes. CBC News has contacted the OPP, Kingston Police and the court for clarification.
Another victim, who also cannot be named due to a publication ban, said via text message that it had been a “tough ride” since she filed her report with police.
“I’m doing what I can to get over it,” she said.
The Haaima investigation began in January 2022 after Kingston police received complaints that someone was using social media to lure victims.
Haaima was photographed with colleagues for an early 2018 article about another company he was involved with, Aviio Digital, in early 2018. (ReFINEd Kingston Magazine)
Haaima’s bail was denied in early May, but the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirmed Tuesday that Haaima has applied for a review of whether he should be released from custody. No date has yet been set for that hearing.
On Tuesday afternoon, Haaima made her first appearance in provincial court since the charges were made public.
He appeared via video link from the Quinte Detention Center in Napanee, Ont., wearing an orange jumpsuit and medical mask. He kept his arms crossed behind his back as he addressed Justice of the Peace HW Chiang as “sir”.
His next appearance in provincial court is scheduled for July 19.
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