Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with a widespread human trafficking operation in Canada, spanning across Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, and Quebec. The suspects, Clyde Elien-Abbot (31), Kevin Dorcelus-Cetoute (31), and Jean Rodnil Dubois (31), are facing 23 charges related to human trafficking offenses after an extensive year-long investigation, Project Endgame, led by the RCMP human trafficking unit in Edmonton.
The RCMP announced on Thursday that the arrests took place in multiple locations including Edmonton, Montreal, and Red Deer, Alberta. Elien-Abbot was arrested on January 31, while Dorcelus-Cetoute and Dubois were arrested during the summer of 2023.
The RCMP has alleged that the accused men coerced their victims into performing sex acts for numerous clients every day. If the victims challenged the traffickers or questioned the arrangement, they were reportedly met with violent assault, degradation, or threats.
Project Endgame was initiated in May 2023 after a 911 call was made by a sex worker who had been violently assaulted. Since then, the investigation has revealed an organized sex trafficking operation operating across various Canadian provinces.
In Abbotsford, B.C., police are investigating a shooting after a resident discovered bullet holes in their home on Tuesday morning. Officers responded to the 900-block of Columbia Street around 8 a.m. following the discovery. It was reported that neighbors heard gunshots at around 12:40 a.m. on February 11 but did not contact authorities at the time.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Police are asking for dashcam footage from residents in the area between midnight and 1 a.m. to assist in their investigation.
Meanwhile, in Richmond, B.C., a suspect has been arrested for stealing a woman’s purse in what police believe was a distraction theft. On February 6, the woman believed her car had a punctured tire and was approached by another woman who pointed out the supposed issue. When the victim stepped out of her car to check, a man allegedly snatched her purse from the front seat and fled.
However, the woman confronted the suspect, causing him to drop the purse and attempt to run. Two Good Samaritans stepped in and detained the thief until authorities arrived. Marco Bryans Neyra Sanchez, 27, has been charged with theft in connection with the incident.
Richmond RCMP has warned that there could be additional suspects involved in similar distraction thefts, a crime where one person distracts the victim while another steals their belongings. Cpl. Adriana O’Malley reminded the public to stay vigilant and cautious when approached by strangers in parking lots or other public areas.
Anyone with information regarding the theft is urged to contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212.
