Peel Regional Police have announced the arrest and charging of two men suspected of having ties to the notorious street gang MS-13 in connection with a human trafficking case. The investigation, initiated in November 2025 under Project Mermaid, involved collaboration between Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Correctional Service of Canada.
The joint operation saw the execution of four search warrants in Mississauga and the Collingwood area following allegations of a female victim being trafficked and sexually exploited across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Allegedly, one of the accused, who was serving a lengthy sentence in a CSC institution, used an unauthorized cellphone to coordinate with the victim and the other suspect. It is reported that the men employed intimidation, manipulation, and threats of violence to exploit the victim for financial gain.
The suspects, Marcos Ariel Marinoni, 42, from Mississauga, and Carlos Gutierrez, 30, from Toronto, are facing charges including trafficking in persons, benefiting from trafficking, advertising sexual services, and facilitating sexual activity. Both individuals are currently in custody.
Peel Regional Police stress that the investigation is ongoing and suspect there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. They urge anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Vice and Human Trafficking Unit.
Please note that these charges are still pending court confirmation.