An Ottawa man who is said to have used dating apps and other social media platforms to lure victims is now facing 26 trafficking charges, according to Ottawa police.
Reza Marandi, 42, used online nicknames such as Razzer Sharpe and Sammy Majour, police said in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.
The allegations stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between the spring of 2016 and April 2022.
“The predatory and historical nature of this ongoing investigation suggests that more crimes were committed during this period,” the statement said.
Police said they were taking an “extra step” to release Marandi’s photo publicly because other victims may not know his official name.
The Ottawa Police Trafficking Unit has launched an investigation into the man after the survivor contacted police last month and said he had confirmed the information through several investigative tools.
Ottawa police released two photos of Reza Marandi, as they believe there may be other victims who may not know the man’s legal name. (Presented by the Ottawa Police Department)
The department says it has the resources to support other victims, but will respect their desire to see if they want to sue.
“Reporting these incidents by police victims is key for investigators to identify suspects and identify crime trends.
Marandi’s accusations include administering something harmful; forced detention; material benefits from sexual services; financial assistance for trafficking in persons over 18 years of age; obtaining a person to provide sexual services; advertising another person’s sexual services; possession of child pornography, among other charges, including several crimes of sexual violence.
None of these allegations have been proven in court. Marandi was expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
Anyone with information on such incidents has been asked to call Ottawa police human trafficking unit on tel. 613-236-1222, ext. 5005 or 1-800-292-1168.
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