The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team has apprehended an Edmonton man in connection to the human trafficking of young girls, April 25, 2023. (Photo: ALERT)

By David Opinko

Alberta man charged in connection to human trafficking of youths

Apr 26, 2023 | 10:49 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) said it has laid nearly three dozen charges against an Alberta man who is accused of sexually exploiting and trafficking at least two underaged girls.

In May 2022, ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit began an investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation of two 15-year-old girls in the Edmonton area.

ALERT Human Trafficking Staff Sgt. Christopher Hayes said this matter was brought to their attention by the school that the victims attend.

“We believe that this man was sexually exploiting these two underaged girls, manipulating and coercing them to work in the sex trade,” said Hayes.

He adds that a suspect had attempted to lure an additional two girls into doing sex work for him.

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Hayes explained that investigations such as this one are very complex because many digital devices and files need to be reviewed, which can take a long time to complete.

Phillip Matombo, 22, of Edmonton, faces a total of 34 charges, including:

• Trafficking a person under 18 – three counts
• Procuring a person under 18 – three counts
• Advertising sexual services – four counts
• Material benefit from sexual services provided by a person under 18 – two counts
• Arrangement of sexual offenses using telecommunications – four counts
• Sexual assault
• Sexual interference
• Distribution of intimate images – two counts
• Possession of child pornography
• Distributing child pornography
• Attempt to obstruct justice
• Attempt to obstruct justice – judicial proceeding – two counts
• Uttering threats to cause death;
• Breach of recognizance conditions – eight counts

ALERT states that the victims continue to receive the necessary supports, but that there have been an increasing number of incidents in recent years where young girls are being lured into the sex trade. Hayes asks parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives and monitor their day-to-day activities, including online.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now