Crime: 1)Five found guilty in human trafficking case that began with victim rescue in Innisfil; 2)Barrie man charged following six-month child exploitation investigation; 3)OPP charge woman accused of defrauding a Huntsville senior 4)counterfeit soccor merch: Have you bought World Cup Soccer merch? Is it legit?; 5)(Video) SSP seek driver after wrong-way SUV forces vehicle off road in Bradford-West Gwillimbury; 6)Two serious motorcycle crashes in Barrie spark safety warning from police; 7)Highway 400 crash in stolen car leads to chase and arrest of two youths; 8)Motorist on Hwy. 11 nabbed for watching movie on cellphone while driving: Orillia OPP
1)Five found guilty in human trafficking case that began with victim rescue in Innisfil
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, June 4, 2026
A human trafficking investigation that began in Innisfil three years ago has resulted in guilty verdicts for four people
South Simcoe Police say the case started in May 2023 after a female reported she was being held against her will at an Innisfil residence and was being exploited for sex trafficking. The victim was located by police, removed from the situation, and taken to safety. Investigators say she also reported being sexually assaulted by one of the suspects.
The investigation, dubbed Project Chameleon, also identified additional victims.
In November 2023, officers from South Simcoe Police, Barrie Police and York Regional Police executed search warrants at properties in Innisfil and Newmarket. Three people were arrested at that time and charged with human trafficking offences, sexual services offences, and drug-related offences. A fourth suspect turned themselves in later that month, and they were charged with human trafficking and sexual service s offences.
Three more people were arrested and charged in December.
In February 2024, one of the accused who was charged with drug offences had their charges withdrawn upon entering a peace bond for twelve months.
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following a 10-week trial in Barrie, four of the accused were found guilty and were convicted of the following offences:
40-year-old Tyrone Dias of Newmarket:
32-year-old Jashyna Singh of Mississauga:
46-year-old Joseph Carvalho of Newmarket:
40-year-old Oneil Hopkinson of Newmarket:
Police say one of the accused, 39-year-old Edgar Martinez of Innisfil, pleaded guilty before the start of the trial and was convicted of one count each of trafficking in persons and sexual assault.
According to investigators, Dias and Singh are scheduled to stand trial for drug offences related to Project Chameleon in November.
2)Barrie man charged following six-month child exploitation investigation
Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release
By Staff, June 5, 2026
A 57-year-old Barrie man is facing several serious charges following a six-month investigation by the Barrie Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.
Police say the accused was arrested on June 4, 2026, and charged with possession, accessing, and distribution of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
The investigation began after the ICE Unit received two reports from the National Centre of Missing and Exploited Children. The reports alleged the distribution of illegal materials through the social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Discord.
Authorities then launched a detailed investigation that ultimately led them to a residence in the city’s south end.
In May, investigators executed a search warrant at the accused’s home, where several electronic devices belonging to them were seized.
A full forensic analysis of those devices was conducted, which resulted in the categorization of images and videos of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Following the analysis, the Barrie man was formally charged with:
The Barrie Police Service reminds residents to remain cautious when using social media platforms.
Tips on how to stay safe online are available on the police service’s website.
3)OPP charge woman accused of defrauding a Huntsville senior
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Julius Hern, June 3, 2026
Huntsville OPP charged a woman with fraud on Tuesday after she attempted to deposit a cheque that belonged to a local senior.
On May 21, at 2:08 p.m., officers were alerted to a suspected fraud at a Huntsville bank, learning that a woman tried to deposit a fraudulent cheque.
Upon investigating, police say they learned the cheque belonged to a 101-year-old Huntsville resident.
The 45-year-old woman from Huntsville was charged with fraud under $5,000 and obtaining by false pretence.
She is scheduled to appear in a Bracebridge court on July 21.
4)Counterfeit soccor merch: Have you bought World Cup Soccer merch? Is it legit?
Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release,
By Staff, June 2, 2026
Two people have been arrested after the seizure of more than 16,000 counterfeit soccer merchandise items; an intellectual property lawyer urges retailers and consumers to only buy from trusted sellers and report suspected fraud.
Toronto Police said their investigation began last month after a local law firm specializing in brand protection received a complaint about fraudulent merchandise.
Police alleged that a warehouse in Mississauga, had a large quantity of fake merchandise, including jerseys, hats and flags, and the accused were supplying the products to retail stores.
“This was a large-scale operation designed to exploit fans and take advantage of their love for sports,” Deputy Chief Robert Johnson said.
Thousands of Fake Jerseys and Flags Recovered
Police said officers searched the warehouse and trailers on site and seized fraudulent jerseys and flags purporting to be name brands, including Puma, Nike and Adidas, as well as two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies.
Supt. David Ecklund said the items were coming from overseas, but did not specify the exact source. Given the size of the seizure, investigators believe the accused were running the operation “for some time.”
“Folks are walking into retail stores thinking that they’re buying an authentic piece, a jersey or sporting equipment, they’re paying full price as they would if it was authentic, but they’re getting a counterfeit,” he said.
Ecklund added that counterfeit merchandise is a “known concern” during major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup.
“For criminals, it’s a crime of opportunity, because they know people want to support their favourite team and will prey on that excitement.”
A 41-year-old man from Milton and a 62-year-old man from Mississauga each face multiple charges, including fraud over $5,000 and passing off wares or services with intent to deceive or defraud.
How Consumers Can Spot Counterfeit Products
David Lipkus, an intellectual property lawyer with Lipkus Law, the firm that brought forward the complaint, said there are multiple ways for consumers and retailers to verify the authenticity of sports merchandise.
“If you’re shopping online at third-party marketplaces or through social media, then start by looking at the price. A premium brand at a bargain basement price isn’t a discount, it’s a red flag,” he said.
Lipkus added there are often spelling mistakes on the tags, or the material won’t have the same quality as legitimate products. Consumers should also check the brand’s website to see where to buy items locally, he said.
“Customers don’t want to buy these low-quality products. They don’t operate the same way. They haven’t been tested for safety; the materials on them can harm the consumer,” Lipkus said.
Reporting Suspected Fraud
Lipkus said if someone believes they unknowingly purchased counterfeit goods, they should report it to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
“Counterfeiting isn’t a victimless crime. It funds illicit networks and compromises your safety,” Lipkus said.
with files from The Canadian Press
5)(Video) SSP seek driver after wrong-way SUV forces vehicle off road in Bradford-West Gwillimbury
Courtesy Barrie360.com
Ian MacLennan, June 2, 2026
South Simcoe Police are investigating a fail-to-remain crash in Bradford West Gwillimbury and are asking for help from the public to identify a suspect vehicle.
Police say the crash happened on May 27, 2026, in the afternoon between 3:45 and 3:55 p.m. on 5th Line between County Road 27 and Sideroad 5.
Investigators say a dark red small SUV was travelling westbound in the wrong lane of traffic when another driver was forced off the road while trying to avoid a collision. That vehicle sustained significant damage, and the sole occupant suffered minor injuries.
The other driver did not stop, according to police, and continued westbound.
Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have dashcam or surveillance video, to contact them.
6)Two serious motorcycle crashes in Barrie spark safety warning from police
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan
Barrie Police say two serious motorcycle collisions this week have prompted them to remind the public about road safety now that the warmer weather is here.
Police say this means motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians add to the traffic volumes across the city.
On Tuesday afternoon at around 3:20, police responded to Cundles Road East and Livingstone Street East after a collision between a motorcycle and an SUV. The 19-year-old man on the motorcycle was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A 45-year-old woman was charged with failing to make a safe turn.
Then on Monday, another collision involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, this time on Harvie Road near Bryne Drive. The rider also suffered serious injuries. Police say in this case, a woman in her 70s is facing a charge of failing to make a safe turn.
Police say both crashes highlight a shared responsibility on the road, reminding motorists to take an extra moment to check for motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians, while vulnerable road users are also being urged to stay visible, alert, and follow traffic rules.
7)Highway 400 crash in stolen car leads to chase and arrest of two youths
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Julius Hern, June 3 2026
South Simcoe Police arrested two youths after they fleed a collision on Highway 400 on Wednesday morning in what turned out to be a stolen vehicle.
The collision happened around 6 a.m. on the northbound side of the freeway, just south of County Road 88 in Bradford West Gwillimbury. A Honda CR-V and a transport truck was involved.
Police say due to the collision, the CR-V was disabled and traffic in both directions was impacted while South Simcoe Police and OPP officers worked to clear the scene and investigate.
However, witnesses reported seeing the two occupants of the CR-V flee the area on foot toward Bradford immediately following the collision. South Simcoe Police officers subsequently found and arrested both occupants. They also determined that the vehicle the arrestees had been driving was reported stolen from Peel Region earlier that morning.
A 17-year-old youth from Vaughan and a 15-year-old youth from Mississauga were both arrested and charged with vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of an automobile master key, dangerous operation, failure to remain, failure to comply with release conditions.
The 17-year-old accused was held for a bail hearing.
Police say they are still seeking witness reports or video footage from the area of the crash scene.
8)Motorist on Hwy. 11 nabbed for watching movie on cellphone while driving: Orillia OPP
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, June 5th, 2026
A police vehicle stop on Highway 11 after Orillia OPP say a driver was caught watching a movie on a cellphone while driving.
There was no popcorn and butter, but a motorist received a ticket for distracted driving, accused by Orillia OPP of watching a movie on their cellphone while driving on Highway 11.
According to police, the driver was “actively watching a movie on their cellphone while driving.”
The Jeep was pulled over, and the driver was given a ticket.
“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and puts not only the driver’s safety at risk, but also the safety of all motorists on our roads,” OPP said in a social media post. “No text, call or video is worth a life.”