Two men accused of operating a cross-Canada human trafficking network for over a decade pleaded not guilty in Edmonton on Monday. Last year, Alberta police charged them with multiple offenses after a year-long investigation known as Project Endgame, including human trafficking, assault, sexual assault, threats, money laundering, and animal cruelty.
Kevin Dorcleus-Cetoute, 33, and Jean Rodnil Dubois, 32, faced three charges for human trafficking, to which they pleaded not guilty. The Crown prosecution plans to drop other charges if they are convicted. The investigation revealed a sex trafficking network spanning over 10 years across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.
ALERT’s human trafficking unit stated that the accused coerced victims into performing numerous sex acts for multiple clients daily. Victims who questioned or opposed the traffickers were reportedly subjected to violence, degradation, threats, and isolation.
Project Endgame began in May 2023 following a 911 call reporting a sex worker’s violent assault. During the criminal trial’s first day, lawyers did not present arguments or discuss evidence, leaving the judge to review the case independently.
The parties will reconvene next week for a decision and potential sentencing.
