Montreal gang member with previous human trafficking conviction accused of more crimes in Calgary, Edmonton

A Montreal gang member with a previous human trafficking conviction has been arrested and charged with similar crimes in Calgary and Edmonton, police say.

Kristof Dion-Pons was arrested by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Calgary last month, with the help of Calgary police.

In 2018, he was convicted of living on the profits of juvenile prostitution and given a three-year prison sentence in Quebec.

Investigators say the 26-year-old is a self-identified member of the FSO gang. FSO, which stands for Fly S- – – – Only, is allegedly a Montreal-based gang involved in Canada-wide human trafficking, according to ALERT.

The gang is known to brand its victims.

Dion-Pons was allegedly trafficking women in Alberta’s two largest cities, according to ALERT. The organization’s investigation has identified at least five victims, and believes the offences took place over two years.

When police arrested the man on Jan. 30, he was in the company of three of his alleged victims. ALERT says the three women were given support resources through the agency’s safety network co-ordinator.

“In most instances these perpetrators will lure and attract their victims under the pretense of romance, of being their boyfriend. But it’s important for us to highlight the machinations of organized crime behind human trafficking and the profit involved in exploiting girls for sex,” said Det. Kathy Bowman with ALERT.

Dion-Pons has been charged with trafficking in persons, advertising sexual services, identity fraud, and possession of the proceeds of crime.

He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court at the end of March.

ALERT believes there may be more victims and are encouraging them to come forward and speak with police.

Survivors of human trafficking can call 211 for help.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact local police or CrimeStoppers.