Edmonton youth rescued from human trafficking

Edmonton… A 15-year-old girl has been rescued from human trafficking and ALERT has charged her perpetrators. Three Edmonton men have been charged with a total of 35 criminal offences.

ALERT’s Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation unit has arrested three suspects for human trafficking with the most recent arrest coming on June 29, 2021. The suspects allegedly procured the youth for sexual services.

The arrests came following a two-month investigation when the Edmonton Police Service first received information about a 15-year-old girl being sexually exploited. The investigation revealed the youth was first groomed online, which escalated to nude photography, and eventually she was steered into the sex trade.

“Perpetrators are very skilled at grooming and manipulating their victims with gifts, money, affection; but it’s all a mirage. What this survivor endured was appalling and represents a heart-breaking set of circumstances,” Acting Staff Sergeant Chris Hayes, ALERT.

The survivor is receiving support and specialized care resources. Survivors of sex trafficking can call 211 for help.

Tyson Shaw, 24, Islam Montasser, 26, and Amir Idris, 30, have been jointly charged with:

• Trafficking a person under the age of 18;
• Material benefit;
• Procuring a child;
• Advertise sex services;
• Arrange sexual offences against a child;
• Invitation to sexual touching;
• Making child pornography;
• Distribute child pornography;
• Possession of child pornography; and
• Administer a noxious substance.

Additionally, Shaw has been charged with:

• Sexual assault of a person under 18;
• Sexual contact with a child;
• Sexual counsel of a child; and
• Indecent exposure to a person under 16.

Montasser was also charged with sexual assault of a person under 18.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or any human trafficking offence is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.

ALERT’s Human Trafficking Counter Exploitation unit investigates domestic human trafficking involving sexual exploitation occurring in Alberta. The integrated unit also works in collaboration with agencies and organizations involved in rescuing and supporting survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.