Ontario Man Faces 78 Charges Related to Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault

Ontario Man Faces 78 Charges Related to Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault
Two Kingston Police cars are seen in Kingston, Ontario, on Nov. 28, 2019. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Andrew Chen
7/12/2022
Updated:
7/12/2022
0:00

An Ontario man is facing 78 charges related to human trafficking, sexual assault, and making child pornography. The offences allegedly involved several underage victims, police said.

Michael Mark Haaima, a 38-year-old male from Kingston, Ontario, was recently charged following a joint investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police and Kingston Police, according to a statement released on July 11.

The joint police operation, called Project Shamrock, was launched in January 2022 when Kingston Police learned that an individual was luring victims through social media platforms. A thorough investigation was conducted by the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy from the Kingston Police, Ottawa Police Service, Peterborough Police Service, and the OPP Digital Forensics.

The police said they initially identified ten victims, but more were later identified, which led to additional charges laid against Haaima. The victims are now moved to “a place of safety,” the police said.

Haaima is facing 18 counts of sexual assault, two counts of making child pornography, and four counts of forcible confinement, among others. A full list of his charges include:
  • Sexual assault—eighteen counts;
  • Unlawfully access child pornography—five counts;
  • Obtaining sexual services for consideration—four counts;
  • Forcible confinement—four counts;
  • Assault—three counts;
  • Harassment by watching and besetting;
  • Overcome resistance to offence/attempt to choke—three counts;
  • Criminal harassment by communication;
  • Sexual assault with choking—four counts;
  • Uttering threats/death or bodily harm—four counts;
  • Compulsions to commit bestiality;
  • Mischief under $5000;
  • Invitation to sexual touching—two counts;
  • Sexual interference—two counts;
  • Procuring/person under 18 years;
  • Trafficking of a person under 18 years;
  • Obtaining sexual services for consideration under 18—four counts
  • Overcome resistance to commit sexual assault;
  • Sexual assault cause bodily harm;
  • Luring for invitation to sexual touching;
  • Luring for making child pornography;
  • Aggravated sexual assault—two counts;
  • Make child pornography—two counts;
  • Make available child pornography—two counts;
  • Possess child pornography—three counts;
  • Extortion—two counts;
  • Assault with a weapon;
  • Voyeurism.
Police said they believe there could be more victims as the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122 or their local police.

“If you or someone you know may be a victim of these crimes, call 911 immediately,” the statement said.