EDMONTON – The Edmonton Police Service have laid eighteen charges against Omar Abdi Ahmed (also known as Jojo), a twenty-four-year-old male in connection to human trafficking.
Police report that on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, West Division patrol officers received information that a female had been sexually assaulted in the area of 154 Street and 111 Avenue. Upon further investigation, it was determined that an eighteen-year-old female had allegedly been assaulted and trafficked by Ahmed over several days.
Six charges were laid against Ahmed in relation to this incident, which included: human trafficking, procuring, receiving a financial or material benefit from sexual services, advertising sexual services, sexual assault and unlawful confinement.
On Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, Southwest Division patrol officers responded to a call in the area of 38 Avenue and Gateway Blvd on the report of an assault. When officers arrived, they located a twenty-year-old female who was also allegedly trafficked by Ahmed.
An additional 12 charges were laid against Ahmed in connection to this incident, which include: human trafficking, receiving a financial or material benefit from sexual services, procuring, advertising sexual services, withholding travel documents, forcible confinement, uttering threats, choking with intent to overcome, assault, mischief and breach of recognizance (x2).
“Human trafficking and exploitation of sexual services providers are a concern not only in Edmonton but in cities and towns across Canada,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Melanie Grace from Edmonton Police Service Vice Unit.
“I encourage anyone who has been approached by Ahmed or feels they have been trafficked or exploited by him to contact police as soon as possible. The Edmonton Police Service Vice Unit, along with the support of its dedicated community partners, is committed to thoroughly investigating reports made by any person who believes they are a victim of, or witness to, these types of exploitation,” says Grace.
Investigators believe Ahmed may have trafficked other women in Alberta and Saskatchewan. He may have also be using social media to approach women.
Investigators released a photo of the accused as they believe there may be additional complainants, as well as witnesses who may have any information.
Any persons that have been involved with Ahmed are encouraged to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
