Manhunt underway for Brampton man convicted of sex trafficking: Halton police

A manhunt is underway for Ryan Gentles, a man convicted of sex trafficking who has skipped out on his bail.

Gentles, 31, also known as Grizzy Gwop, was arrested in Vaughan on Sept. 1, 2022. He was charged with human trafficking, making profit from human trafficking, and four counts of assault. Halton Police did not disclose much of the nature of these crimes at the time.

He ultimately pled guilty to these crimes late last year and was released on bail pending a sentencing hearing. He was forced to wear an ankle monitor but recently cut it off. He was last monitored near Dixie Rd. and Bovaird  Dr. in central Brampton.

Police describe Gentles as six feet tall and 200 pounds with a medium build. He also has a tattoo of “Grizzy Gwop” on his right arm. He’s known to frequent the GTA, most especially Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough.

Anyone with information on Gentles’ whereabouts can call police at Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at the website.

Police warn residents not to approach Gentles if seen, but to call 911 immediately.

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service.

The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in Halton region for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:

• Halton Regional Police victim services unit 905-825-4777, ext. 5239, or by email at [email protected]
• Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
• Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
• Radius Child & Youth Services 905-825-3242 (Oakville) or 1-855-744-9001
• Kid’s Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
• THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256

Here are the signs you should look for if you believe someone might be a victim of trafficking:

• Not being allowed to speak for themselves
• Not having control of their own money or cellphone
• Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number
• Being controlled by others and escorted at all times
• Not being allowed to contact family or friends
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Providing rehearsed answers to casual questions
• Being secretive about their activities;
• Showing signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.
• Having a new boyfriend, girlfriend or friend who they won’t introduce to friends/family
• Having new items (clothing, jewelry etc.) outside their financial means.

You may also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.

The hotline uses a victim-centered approach when connecting human trafficking victims and survivors with local emergency, transition, and/or long-term supports and services across the country, as well as connecting callers to law enforcement where appropriate.

With files from Jeffrey Allen