Police lay charges in prostitution stings

The Calgary Police Service has laid several charges in relation to two prostitution stings that took place earlier this year.

One four-day operation, held between Tuesday, March 24 and Friday, March 27, 2015, targeted the consumers of street sex trafficking. The areas targeted were known strolls in the Beltline and Forest Lawn Industrial Area, identified as being problem locations by police and the community.

During the operation, 32 individuals were charged with obtaining sexual services for consideration.

During the second operation, which ran from Monday, June 22 to Thursday, June 25, 2015, the Calgary Police Service specifically targeted offenders attempting to purchase sexual services online from underage females. It is estimated that 90 to 95 per cent of prostitution occurs indoors, facilitated by the Internet.

Following a four-day operation, four individuals were arrested and each were charged with one count of obtaining or communicating in any place for the purposes of attaining sexual services from a minor.

• Nam VOONG, 29, of Calgary is scheduled to next appear in court on Monday, July 13, 2015.
• Muneeb Uddin ALVI, 20, of Calgary is scheduled to next appear in court on Thursday, July 23, 2015.
• Justin James HARDER, 27, from Ontario and residing in Calgary is scheduled to next appear in court on Friday, July 24, 2015.
• Mark Anthony KENNEDY, 53, of Calgary is scheduled to next appear in court on Thursday, July 9, 2015.

Prostitution is a very complex issue requiring a collaborative approach amongst law enforcement and social service agencies. The Calgary Police Service’s highest priorities are cases involving minors, exploitation and human trafficking. It is commonly recognized that sex trade workers are victimized and exploited and, in many instances, are in the trade due to financial stress, mental health, addiction issues or through coercion. The Service works to connect prostitutes with programs that may assist them in exiting the trade.

Calgary Police Service enforcement efforts focus on reducing consumer demand by targeting the users of sexual services, which is in line with Bill C-36 (Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act). Bill C-36 came into force on December 6, 2014, and criminalizes the buying of sex resulting in penalties, including jail time and fines.