By Regan Tate

Four Alberta teens rescued from human trafficking

Dec 2, 2023 | 7:00 AM

Four teens have been rescued following an investigation by ALERT into human trafficking in Edmonton.

Two men and a 17-year-old are now facing a total of 48 charges. The case dates back several months and it’s alleged the youths were recruited and groomed into working in the sex trade. It’s believed they were being sexually exploited at an Edmonton hotel.

One of the victims, a 13-year-old girl had been the subject of a missing person investigation earlier in the year. “These youths met their perpetrators over social media and were lured and groomed into working in the sex industry. As is often the case, there are a bunch of false promises of money, relationships, gifts, but those never seem to materialize and these survivors endure tremendous hardship,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Hayes, ALERT Human Trafficking.

All four survivors are receiving the appropriate supports and resources according to ALERT.

A 19-year-old man faces 22 charges including:

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• Trafficking a person under 18;
• Procuring a person under 18;
• Luring a child;
• Sexual exploitation;
• Material benefit from trafficking a person under 18;
• Making child pornography;
• Distributing child pornography;
• Possessing child pornography;
• Agreement/arrangement of sexual offence against child; and
• Assault.

Another 19 years old, faces 21 charges, including:

• Trafficking a person under 18;
• Procuring a person under 18;
• Luring a child;
• Sexual exploitation;
• Material benefit from trafficking a person under 18;
• Making child pornography;
• Distributing child pornography;
• Possessing child pornography; and
• Agreement/arrangement of sexual offence against child.

Five additional charges have been laid against a 17-year-old youth who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They have been released with conditions.

ALERT encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault or abuse to report it to police. Victims of sexual exploitation can report it to police.

Alternatively, anyone seeking supports is encouraged to contact the Safety Network Coordinator with CEASE at 780-471-6137. There is no time limit on how long a victim has to report a sexual assault in Canada.