Photo Courtesy EGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

RCMP

RCMP Serious Crimes Branch shuts down Alberta-wide human trafficking operation

Jul 11, 2025 | 7:00 AM

The Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch has arrested two Edmonton residents following an investigation into human trafficking allegations concerning a motel in Fox Creek and a gas station in Calmar.

Alberta RCMP and the Alberta Employment Standards Office first received a report of possible human trafficking at the two Alberta locations in the summer of 2024.

The investigation carried out afterward reportedly uncovered multiple illegal business practices involving several immigrant workers. RCMP say these included: Forcing employees to work 80 to 90-hour weeks without proper compensation; Submitting falsified work schedules; Exploitative payment practices and more.

On June 25, 2025, Alberta RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) executed search warrants on two Edmonton residences, allegedly seizing a variety of offence-related materials, including bank and business records.

55-year-old Yeon Soo Lee, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of trafficking persons, material benefits from trafficking and criminal harassment.

26-year-old Joo Hyup Lee was also arrested and faces two charges.

Both individuals have since been released and are set to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on August 11. In the meantime, investigations are ongoing into money laundering and other potential related offences.