A father and son from Edmonton are facing charges related to human labor trafficking

A father and son from Edmonton are facing charges related to human labor trafficking linked to a business they operated outside the city.

The Alberta RCMP announced their arrests following a year-long investigation into human trafficking incidents in areas near and northwest of Edmonton. Last summer, both the RCMP and the Alberta Employment Standards Office received reports of potential human trafficking activities at the Grizzly Motor Hotel in Fox Creek and a gas station in Calmar, according to a statement released Thursday. The investigation revealed numerous illegal business practices affecting several immigrant workers.

These included compelling employees to work 80 to 90 hours per week without proper pay, submitting falsified work schedules, exploiting payment practices, overcharging for rent and expenses, and harassment. Four victims, both male and female, were identified during the investigation. Authorities have not disclosed their nationalities or ages but believe that additional victims may exist. "This investigation is still ongoing, with allegations of money laundering also under scrutiny, and law enforcement is diligently pursuing all related offenses," stated Insp. Breanne Brown from the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch. "Our investigators are dedicated to thoroughly uncovering the full extent of this operation and ensuring accountability while providing support for the victims.

" As a result of the ongoing investigation, 55-year-old Yeon Soo Lee, an Edmonton resident, faces four counts of trafficking persons and material benefits from trafficking, as well as one count of criminal harassment. His son, 26-year-old Joo Hyup Lee, has been charged with trafficking persons and material benefits from trafficking. The father and son have been released and are scheduled to appear in court on August 11. In 2023, RCMP investigated 117 human trafficking cases in Alberta, of which 10 were labor-related. This is a notable increase from the previous year's 180 investigations, including 21 involving labor trafficking. "We're observing a trend where more victims of this crime feel secure enough to come forward," remarked Brown.

"Although labor trafficking has existed in the past, we are certainly witnessing an uptick in such cases compared to a few years back." The province's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) branch conducted inspections at the hotel and gas station to ensure compliance with OHS regulations, which resulted in a $60,000 administrative fine for the Grizzly Motor Hotel for repeated violations. Yeon Soo Lee was also fined $10,000 for obstructing an OHS officer, according to the RCMP statement. The Employment Standards branch of Alberta Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration has investigated several businesses owned by the Lees for allegations of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable workers, recovering over $160,000 in unpaid wages and unauthorized deductions.

"Labor trafficking is a form of human trafficking involving the recruitment, movement, or control of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion to exploit their labor—and it occurs right here in Alberta," stated Paul Brandt, co-chair of the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons. "Victims are often misled about the jobs they were promised, receive far less pay than agreed upon—or no pay at all—are forced to work in unsafe or degrading conditions, and face threats if they attempt to speak out."