Three Montreal men have been charged with operating a cross-Canada sex trafficking ring that investigators say has been active for more than a decade.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) announced the charges following a year-long investigation into the group’s activities.
“These suspects are very violent,” said ALERT Staff Sgt. Chris Hayes. “They’re willing to do almost anything to the victims to keep control of them and preyed on their vulnerabilities and weaknesses.”
Project Endgame Uncovers Widespread Operation
The investigation, dubbed Project Endgame, began in May 2023 after a 911 call reporting a violent assault on a sex worker.
Investigators identified multiple victims and believe there may be more, urging anyone affected to come forward. Police say the group was active in several locations, including Edmonton, Calgary, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, Vancouver, and Estevan, Sask.
The traffickers allegedly forced victims into performing multiple sex acts daily, using violence, threats, and isolation to maintain control. Victims who resisted were reportedly assaulted and degraded.
ALERT specialists are now providing support to those affected.
Arrests and Charges
A total of 23 charges have been laid against Clyde Elien-Abbot, Jean Rodnil Dubois, and Kevin Dorcelus-Cetoute, all 31 years old.
Dubois and Dorcelus-Cetoute were arrested in July 2023 and later released on bail.
Elien-Abbot was taken into custody on January 31 in Edmonton and is awaiting a bail hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to seek additional victims.
Dave Mantin