Canadian country music star Paul Brandt has reacted strongly to the release on undertakings of six men charged in a Durham Regional Police human trafficking investigation, calling it a departure from Canada's traditional standards and urging Canadians to demand stronger accountability.
In a statement on X, Brandt said: "Six men charged with trying to buy sex from children. And then released. I was born and raised in Canada, and these were never our standards. Even in the Canada I returned to when I moved back from Nashville 20 years ago would have never stood for this. Demand accountability, denouncement, and deterrence. There are deep connections between Child Sexual Abuse Material and the accessing of children for sex."
The charges stem from Project Firebird, an ongoing initiative by the Durham police Human Trafficking Unit targeting individuals attempting to purchase sexual services from minors under 18. The project also focuses on educating and supporting victims and potential victims while addressing community concerns.
In January 2026, investigators identified multiple suspects who arranged meetings for sexual services with people they knew were underage. As a result, six men were arrested and now face a combined 19 charges. All were released on undertakings.
The charged individuals are Manish Singh, 22, of Brampton, facing charges of luring a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services under 18, obtaining sexual services under 18, and invitation to sexual touching under 16; Bruce Herrington, 50, of Ajax, charged with the same three offences; Nickolas Chen, 24, of Markham, charged with those three plus obstructing police; Sarang Kapdi, 33, of Pickering, charged with the three main offences; Leodee Ayoyao, 27, of Oshawa, charged with the three main offences; and Christopher Smith, 39, of Oshawa, also charged with the three main offences.
Brandt's comments, which highlight his long-standing advocacy against sexual exploitation and human trafficking through initiatives like #NotInMyCity, come amid broader calls for tougher deterrence in such cases.
This information is based on the Durham Regional Police Service release, as covered by Durham Radio News, and Brandt's public statement.
