Dozens of charges laid, including bestiality, in Edmonton human trafficking investigation

EDMONTON — A 47-year-old Edmonton man is facing dozens of charges, including human trafficking and several animal-related offences, following a lengthy investigation into the alleged exploitation of multiple women.

Jonathan Allard was arrested March 26 with assistance from the Edmonton Police Service after an investigation by ALERT’s human trafficking unit.

Police allege Allard trafficked and sexually exploited at least five women in the Edmonton area, with investigators indicating there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified.

The investigation began in June 2025 after one woman contacted police, alleging she had been recruited through social media to move to Edmonton and was then forced into the sex trade.

Jonathan Allard facing multiple charges related to Human Trafficking including bestiality. ALERT Supplied image

Investigators allege Allard arranged sexual services, communicated with clients, collected money and exercised control over the victims as part of an ongoing operation.

He is facing 26 Criminal Code charges, including trafficking in persons, receiving a material benefit from trafficking, forcible confinement, assault, procuring sexual services and advertising sexual services of another person.

In addition to the human trafficking allegations, Allard is facing multiple charges related to the abuse of a dog. Those include bestiality, causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal, animal neglect, and causing or permitting an animal to be in distress.

Police say the identified victims have been connected with support services through ALERT’s safety network co-ordinators, and investigators are urging anyone who may have been affected or who has information about the case to come forward.

Allard remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court April 16.