Twenty-seven charged in sex trade operation

The Calgary Police Service VICE Team and District 1 members have charged 27 people in relation to a sex trade investigation.

After receiving numerous complaints from members of the community, officers from across the Service concentrated on prostitution related complaints in the areas of 15 Avenue and 2 Street S.W., and 19 Avenue and 48 Street S.E. The operation took place between Tuesday, April 26, and Friday, April 29, 2016. The objective of the operation was to reduce illegal activity in these areas, as well as connect with sex trade workers to build a positive relationship and provide any resources they may need to assist them in leaving the sex trade.

“Although we know the vast majority of the sex trade has moved behind doors, facilitated through online networks, traditional locations are still being used,” said Calgary Police Service VICE Staff Sergeant Martin Schiavetta. “It is critically important that we connect with sex trade workers across the board to provide them support and resources should they choose to leave the sex trade.”

As a result of the operation, 27 people were charged with unlawfully communicating with any person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services. Seven summonses for traffic-related offences were also issued; along with 19 warrants for unrelated criminal code charges were executed.

The Calgary Police Service would like to thank members of the community for their assistance in this operation.