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Felicien Mufuta (photo courtesy of ALERT)
By Liam Verster
ALERT Human Trafficking and Exploitation

UPDATE: Edmonton man wanted in human trafficking investigation arrested

Mar 10, 2021 | 9:11 AM

UPDATE: Felicien Mufuta has been apprehended. The 37-year old man was arrested while returning to his south Edmonton Residence on Wednesday, March 10.

ALERT believes there are other victims involved in this case, and are encouraging them, along with anyone with more information regarding this or any other human trafficking case, to make reports to local police or Crime Stoppers.

An Alberta-wide warrant has been issued for an Edmonton man allegedly involved in human trafficking.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) Human Trafficking and Exploitation unit is searching for 37-year-old Felicien Mufuta.

The Edmontonian is facing charges that include:

  • Trafficking in Persons
  • Sexual Assault
  • Procuring
  • Advertising Sexual Services
  • Material Benefits of Trafficking
  • Breach of Release Conditions

“ALERT believes this suspect preyed on some of our society’s most vulnerable people; allegedly controlling them through violence and withholding their identity documents,” said Staff Sergeant Lance Parker, ALERT Human Trafficking.

The investigation into Mufuta began after a survivor contacted the Edmonton Police Service in February, 2021. The woman reported that she was being forced to work in the sex trade and had been sexually assaulted by the suspect.

On March 4, ALERT searched Mufuta’s south Edmonton home, but he was not located at the time. Authorities believe Mufuta is still in the Edmonton area, and anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to report it to the local police or to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477 (TIPS).

The woman who filed the report is receiving support through specialized care resources.

ALERT believes there may be other victims, and encourages them to come forward and contact police.

Survivors of sex trafficking can also call 211 to access support services.

by Liam Verster