Connect with us

Alberta

15 year old girl rescued from Edmonton based sex trafficers

Published

3 minute read

News Release from Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) and Edmonton RCMP

Edmonton youth rescued from human trafficking

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.

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.

Todayville is an independently-owned digital media company. We specialize in helping community groups, local businesses and organizations tell their story. Our team has years of media and video production experience. Talk to us about advertising, brand journalism stories, opinion pieces, event promotion, or other ideas you have to make our product better. We also own and operate Todayville Red Deer and Todayville Calgary.

Follow Author

Alberta

Alberta Next: Immigration

Published on

From Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta.ca/Next

Let’s talk about immigration.

The Alberta we know and love was built by newcomers from all over Canada and the world; however, immigration levels must also be sustainable…and the Liberal’s open border policies have destroyed that balance resulting in high inflation and increased unemployment.

The Alberta Next Panel is asking: should Alberta take control of our own immigration system to ensure a more sustainable number newcomers that will more strongly contribute to our economy.

It’s your voice and your province. Have your say at www.alberta.ca/next

Continue Reading

Alberta

Alberta uncorks new rules for liquor and cannabis

Published on

Alberta’s government is supporting liquor producers by enabling them to own, operate and sell their own products on large format bikes or “party bikes.”

Albertans out for a spin on a party bike or tavern tour will soon be able to sip locally made beers and spirits. Alberta’s government is updating the rules to give small liquor producers the green light to serve their own products on party bikes, removing an outdated barrier that had prevented local producers from advertising their own brands.

This is one of several red tape reduction changes to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation (GLCR) aimed at making life easier for small businesses and expanding responsible choices for consumers.

“We are proud that these amendments not only cut red tape in the retail segment of the liquor marketplace, but also directly open more opportunities for small manufacturers to grow their businesses.”

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

More freedom to grow: Liquor and cannabis reforms

In addition to the changes to party bikes, Alberta is making it easier for liquor retailers to set up shop in underused commercial space. Businesses that own or lease large buildings can now carve out a separate liquor store within their space, so long as it has its own entrance and full floor-to-ceiling walls separating it from other retail operations.

Alberta’s government is also rolling out a long-awaited change for cannabis producers: federally licensed cultivators and processors will now be able to apply for a retail licence to sell their products directly from the same property, commonly known as “farm-gate” sales. This move aligns Alberta with other provinces and gives consumers more access to homegrown cannabis products, while supporting licensed growers.

These targeted reforms are part of Alberta’s broader push to cut red tape, reduce regulatory burden, and promote a more competitive marketplace across the province.

Quick facts

  • Alberta’s retail liquor industry is robust, with more than 35,000 products available across more than 1,600 retail stores
  • Larger companies with other retail stores, operate multiple retail stores that have a liquor store on site, but in a separate building.
  • There are 752 licenced cannabis retail stores in Alberta.
  • There are 2,356 licensed cannabis products for sale in the province.
  • All cannabis retailers must be licensed by AGLC.
  • Licensed producers are regulated by Health Canada.
Continue Reading

Trending

X