Press release from Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) and Edmonton RCMP
Edmonton youth rescued from human trafficking
A 15 year old girl was rescued from human trafficking and ALERT has charged her perpetrators. Three Edmonton men were charged a total of 35 criminal offenses.
The human trafficking and counter-exploitation department of ALERT has arrested three suspects of human trafficking, most recently on June 29, 2021. The suspects are said to have procured the juveniles for sexual services.
The arrests came after a two-month investigation when Edmonton police first received information about a 15-year-old girl who was sexually exploited. The investigation found that the young woman was first groomed online, which escalated to nude photography and was eventually turned into the sex trade.
“Offenders are very adept at grooming and manipulating their victims with gifts, money, and affection; but it’s all a mirage What this survivor went through was appalling and represents a heartbreaking set of circumstances, ”said Acting Staff Sergeant Chris Hayes, ALERT.
The survivor receives support and specialized nursing resources. Sex trafficking survivors can call the 911 emergency number.
Tyson Shaw, 24, Islam Montasser, 26, and Amir Idris |, 30, were jointly indicted with:
- Trafficking in persons under the age of 18;
- Material benefit;
- Procuring a child;
- Advertising of sex services;
- Arranging sex offenses against a child;
- Invitation to sexual touch;
- Production of child pornography;
- Distribution of child pornography;
- Possession of child pornography; and
- Administer a harmful substance.
In addition, Shaw was charged with:
- Sexual assault on a person under the age of 18;
- Sexual contact with a child;
- Sexual counseling of a child; and
- Indecent exposure to a person under the age of 16.
Montasser was also charged with sexually assaulting a person under the age of 18.
Anyone with information about this investigation or trafficking crime is encouraged to contact the local police or Crime Stoppers.
ALERT’s Anti-Human Trafficking Division investigates domestic trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation in Alberta. The integrated unit also works with agencies and organizations involved in the rescue and support of survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Founded and funded by the Alberta government, ALERT is a compilation of the province’s most advanced law enforcement resources dedicated to fighting serious and organized crime.
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