Three Edmontonians charged for human trafficking: ALERT

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) says three adults are facing human trafficking charges.

ALERT says their investigation started in May 2023, after they received information that a 17-year-old from Saskatchewan had been lured to Edmonton to work in the sex industry.

“This young girl had been in contact with a friend, who acted quickly to get Edmonton Police involved. Police were able to rescue her before she was physically [or] sexually exploited,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Hayes, ALERT Human Trafficking.

“This event started with a person’s call for help and was met with empathy, compassion, and dedication by the responding members. The initial investigation conducted by patrol members led to the involvement of ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit, who worked relentlessly to stop this group of suspects from preying on vulnerable people,” said Insp. Tom Bechthold with the Edmonton Police Service.

Over the course of the investigation, ALERT was able to identify a second teen who had been lured from B.C. and was coerced into working in the sex trade.

Police issued search warrants for two homes and three vehicles on June 28 and were able to seize numerous electronic devices, two loaded handguns, nearly $50,000, and close to 90 grams of cocaine.

The two guns have since been handed to forensic analysis for additional testing and serial number restoration.

“Investigators also interviewed a third teen, as well as a 19-year-old who were being groomed by our suspects. We were able to intervene and both young women are receiving the appropriate supports,” Hayes added.

ALERT says three adults from Edmonton, aged 22, 29, and 30-years-old, are all facing numerous human trafficking charges.

If you suspect someone you know is being groomed or coerced into the sex trade, officers suggest watching for the following signs:

• Wearing new clothing and accessories without a means to pay for it;
• Distancing themselves from family and friends;
• Leaving home to travel to other cities;
• Being secretive about their whereabouts; and
• Having new friends that little is known about.