Toronto police have laid a fresh set of charges against a Mississauga man accused of human trafficking, alleging he recruited multiple women he met through an online dating app and coerced them into sexual activity and exploitation.
Arrest history and new allegations
Police said the accused, identified as Elijah Benjamin of Mississauga and formerly known as Eric Smart, was first taken into custody on July 22. He was re-arrested on July 30 after investigators identified additional victims and expanded the scope of alleged criminality.
According to police, the investigation found Benjamin allegedly trafficked a 32‑year‑old woman through what they described as "a combination of deception, coercion and control." Officers say he coerced the woman into taking sexually explicit photographs that were then distributed online, and that she surrendered the money she earned to the accused.
Investigators allege a similar pattern of conduct with another 32‑year‑old woman. Following the identification of the two victims, Benjamin was charged with a series of offences including procuring, trafficking in persons by recruiting, advertising another person’s sexual services, living on avails of prostitution, material benefit from sexual services, assault with a weapon and two counts of assault.
Additional charges and most recent allegations
Detectives later learned of a third woman, a 31‑year‑old, who they allege was recruited through the same online dating platform and then sexually assaulted on multiple occasions. Police say the accused turned himself in on Friday and has been charged with procuring and two counts of sexual assault in relation to that woman.
"Police believe there may be more victims,"
Investigators told reporters all three women were initially met through an online dating app and that Benjamin has used aliases including Jay and Jason.
- Initial arrest: July 22
- Re-arrest: July 30
- Victims identified so far: three women (aged 31 and two aged 32)
- Accused's known aliases: Jay, Jason; formerly known as Eric Smart
Charges — what police allege
Police announced a wide range of charges tied to alleged recruitment and exploitation. The listed offences reflect their account that the accused used coercion, deception and control to exploit victims and profit from their sexual services.
| Charge | Notes |
|---|---|
| Procuring | Alleged recruitment into sexual services |
| Trafficking in persons by recruiting | Alleged use of deception, coercion and control |
| Advertising another person’s sexual services | Alleged distribution of explicit material |
| Living on avails of prostitution / material benefit | Alleged financial control over earnings |
| Assault with a weapon; assault (multiple counts) | Allegations of physical harm |
| Sexual assault (two counts) | Related to the most recently identified victim |
Police message and ongoing investigation
Toronto police said the investigation remains active and that officers believe there may be additional victims. They have not released further operational details publicly, citing the sensitivity of the inquiry and the need to protect victims.
The case highlights persistent concerns around the use of online dating platforms as a vector for recruitment into the sex trade, an issue that law-enforcement agencies across the Greater Toronto Area continue to confront.
Community members with information related to the investigation have been urged to contact Toronto police. No additional comments were provided by the accused in police statements released to media.
The charges announced in mid‑August expand previous allegations and reflect a pattern that investigators say includes both sexual and financial exploitation. As the case proceeds through the justice system, court dates and further disclosures will be established according to standard legal process.
Local residents concerned about online safety or who may be affected by sexual exploitation resources are encouraged to consult municipal and provincial supports. Police did not name any support agencies in their public release.
This report will be updated as courts release more information and as investigators provide further details.
