With the help of Airdrie Mounties and Calgary Police, a 31-year-old man, Reginald Kwame Boakye was located and arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Human Trafficking unit. He was charged with offences related to trafficking in persons, advertising sexual services, procuring, and several firearms charges. 

aWith the help of Airdrie Mounties a 31-year-old man, Reginald Kwame Boakye was located and arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Human Trafficking and charged with offences related to trafficking in persons, advertising sexual services, procuring, and several firearms charges. (Photo credit to ALERT Alberta)

"The suspect allegedly targeted newcomers to Canada and lured them into the sex trade," ALERT stated.

The organization added that as a result of the arrest, a Calgary woman had been rescued from the sex trade. Boakye allegedly targeted young women and vulnerable newcomers to Canada and lured them into the sex trade through manipulation, grooming and coercion.

"At the time of his arrest, Boakye was found to be carrying a loaded handgun and ammunition. Boakye has a lifetime firearms prohibition stemming from previous convictions," ALERT said.

With the help of Airdrie Mounties a 31-year-old man, Reginald Kwame Boakye was located and arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Human Trafficking and charged with offences related to trafficking in persons, advertising sexual services, procuring, and several firearms charges. (Photo credit to ALERT Alberta)With the help of Airdrie Mounties a 31-year-old man, Reginald Kwame Boakye was located and arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Human Trafficking and charged with offences related to trafficking in persons, advertising sexual services, procuring, and several firearms charges. (Photo credit to ALERT Alberta)

ALERT began investigating after a victim was identified in early May 2024.

With the help of Airdrie Mounties a 31-year-old man, Reginald Kwame Boakye was located and arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Human Trafficking and charged with offences related to trafficking in persons, advertising sexual services, procuring, and several firearms charges. (Photo credit to ALERT Alberta)With the help of Airdrie Mounties a 31-year-old man, Reginald Kwame Boakye was located and arrested by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Human Trafficking and charged with offences related to trafficking in persons, advertising sexual services, procuring, and several firearms charges. (Photo credit to ALERT Alberta)

An associate of Boakye was also arrested in connection to this investigation. 28-year-old Deng Majak Achuil was wanted on 35 outstanding warrants and was also found to be breaching numerous release conditions. He has also been charged with obstruction.

The survivor was provided support resources through ALERT’s Safety Network Coordinator and has been able to escape the sex trade. Survivors of human trafficking can call 2-1-1 for help.

Boakye remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 4. ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit believes there may be additional victims and is encouraging them to come forward and speak with police.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).

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