Man suspected of trafficking teens faces over 30 charges

Edmonton… A year-long ALERT investigation has led to one man facing more than 30 charges for sexually exploiting and trafficking at least two teen girls from the Edmonton area.

In May 2022, ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit began an investigation into the sexual exploitation of two 15-year-old girls.

“We believe that this man was sexually exploiting these two underaged girls, manipulating and coercing them to work in the sex trade,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Hayes, ALERT Human Trafficking.

Phillip Matombo, 22-years old from Edmonton, was charged on April 12, 2023 and faces a total of 34 charges, including:

• Trafficking a person under 18 x3;
• Procuring a person under 18 x3;
• Advertising sexual services x4;
• Material benefit from sexual services provided by a person under 18 x2;
• Arrangement of sexual offenses using telecommunications x4;
• Sexual assault;
• Sexual interference;
• Distribution of intimate images x2;
• Possession of child pornography
• Distributing child pornography;
• Attempt to obstruct justice;
• Attempt to obstruct justice – judicial proceeding x2;
• Uttering threats to cause death;
• Breach of recognizance conditions x8.

Through the investigation, police also identified two additional underage girls who Matombo had attempted to lure into the sex trade.

“The nature of this investigation made it very complex for police, including the amount of digital evidence and online documentation,” Hayes added.

The victims were apprehended by members with the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act and continue to receive necessary supports.

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to call the Edmonton Police Service or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.