Three people from Grande Prairie are facing human trafficking charges after a woman from Toronto was allegedly forced into sex work. The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams Human Trafficking unit believes the victim was coerced to relocate to Grande Prairie over social media under the pretense of a job.
It’s alleged that when she got to the city, she was forced to work in the sex trade under the threat of violence. Her money was apparently withheld to pay back the moving expenses covered for her.
The woman managed to escape from the group’s control in May 2023 and she contacted the Toronto Police Service. The three suspects were arrested on September 19th with the help of Grande Prairie RCMP.
As part of the investigation, ALERT searched two homes and allegedly seized cash, a truck, and more than $30,000 worth of cocaine.
23-year-old Romeo Spence is charged with trafficking a persons, procuring, material benefit from trafficking a person, uttering threats, and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
46-year-old Andre Wright is charged with trafficking a persons, procuring, uttering threats, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of another person’s identity.
29-year-old Hipai Bangisa is charged with trafficking a persons, procuring, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime.
All three suspects have been released from custody. Bangisa and Wright are scheduled to appear in court on October 23rd and Spence is scheduled to appear in court on November 2nd.
Sergeant Chris Hayes from ALERT Human Trafficking says the best advice he can give is to know who you’re talking to and what you’re getting yourself into.
“If people are offering you deals that seem too good to be true, ask questions. If they’re offering to buy you plane tickets and fly you across the country, ask for details and find out the facts. Understand what is going to be expected of you.”
Survivors of sex trafficking can call 211 for help.
