Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) arrested three men from Montreal involved in a Canada-wide human trafficking network with ties to Lloydminster.
The year-long investigation, called Project Endgame, was led by ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit. It involved Edmonton police, RCMP, and Quebec’s joint forces Anti-Pimping team.
Police arrested Clyde Elien-Abbot, 31, in Edmonton on Jan. 31. Kevin Dorcelus-Cetoute, 31, and Jean Rodnil Dubois, 31, were arrested on July 23, 2024.
“Project Endgame exhausted all resources and avenues to bring charges against the suspects and end this cycle of sexualized violence and degradation,” said ALERT’s Staff Sgt. Chris Hayes.
The investigation saw the perpetrators work in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, and Estevan.
Investigators believe the suspects forced victims to perform sex acts daily. If the victims resisted, they were assaulted, threatened, and degraded.
Police laid 23 charges related to human trafficking and executed search warrants in Edmonton, Montreal, and Red Deer.
Elien-Abbot faces charges including trafficking in persons, procuring, advertising sexual services, money laundering, and animal cruelty.
Dorcelus-Cetoute and Dubois face charges including sexual assault, assault, trafficking in persons, procuring, and uttering threats.
The accused remain in custody. Elien-Abbot’s bail hearing is set for Feb. 19. Dorcelus-Cetoute and Dubois are scheduled for court on March 7.
ALERT’s Project Endgame linked this case to a 2021 investigation that led to charges against Dorcelus-Cetoute.
ALERT’s safety network coordinators believe there may be more victims. Police encourage them to come forward.
Traffickers often control victims using coercion, violence, or threats. Signs of trafficking include:
- A person showing fear, anxiety, or depression.
- Signs of physical abuse like bruises or burns.
- A person not having control of their own money, ID, or movements.
- Someone being unable to speak freely or always watched by another person.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking should contact police.
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