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Police

Medicine Hat police execute search warrants at two massage businesses

Nov 6, 2026 | 10:52 AM

Medicine Hat police have laid charges following searches at two local businesses offering massage services as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual services being sold under the guise of legitimate massage operations.

The Medicine Hat Police Service said its Major Crimes Unit executed search warrants at both locations on Nov. 5 after an investigation that began in August.

Police said investigators found evidence supporting allegations that sexual services were being offered in exchange for money at both businesses.

Charges have been laid for obtaining a material benefit from sexual services, possession of proceeds of crime and possession of identity documents.

The charges have not yet been sworn, and police said they could not release the accused person’s name at this time.

The enforcement action involved assistance from the City of Medicine Hat’s Business Licensing Department, Planning and Development Services, MHPS Bylaw Services and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Police said additional enforcement measures were anticipated as investigators continued reviewing evidence and assessing potential Criminal Code offences, along with municipal, provincial and federal violations.

In a statement, MHPS said businesses involved in the commercial sex trade could be associated with the exploitation of vulnerable people and might show indicators linked to human trafficking and organized crime.

Police said investigations of this nature required a co-ordinated approach involving law enforcement, regulatory agencies and government partners.

MHPS said it would continue reviewing businesses operating in Medicine Hat where concerns existed about the sale of sexual services.

Anyone with information related to the investigation was asked to contact MHPS at 403-529-8481. Tips could also be submitted anonymously through the police service’s website or mobile app.