Quebec man charged in Calgary human trafficking investigation
Posted May 4, 2021 8:37 am.
CALGARY – A Quebec man has been arrested on human trafficking charges following a joint investigation between the Calgary Police Service (CPS) and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).
The investigation was launched last fall after a victim contacted police, saying she was exploited sexually, and her abuser controlled her money, food, and movements until she was finally able to escape.
“This was an abhorrent situation where the victim was being forced to perform sexual acts against her will. The silver lining is that she escaped, but the grim reality is that many women are trapped in this life,” said Staff Sgt. Colleen Bowers with the ALERT Human Trafficking Counter Exploitation unit.
Late last month, police arrested the 30-year-old man from Laval at a hotel in Calgary. He’s been charged with human trafficking, material benefit from trafficking, procuring, advertising of sexual services, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Police say the victim is getting support and is using specialized care resources.
ALERT says victims and survivors of sex trafficking can call 211 for support.
Anyone who may have any additional information on this case or any other case can call their local police department or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers.
