Last of accused out on bail in human trafficking case

By Tim Kalinowski on August 26, 2021.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDtkalinowski@lethbridgeherald.com

A Lethbridge doctor charged in connection with human trafficking and sex-related offences has been released on bail.
Dr. Ziyaad Noor was granted release on a $10,000 promise to pay no-cash bail in Lethbridge provincial court on Tuesday, and is subject to several release conditions.
Noor was the last remaining accused still in custody of the 10 men charged as part of an alleged Lethbridge and Calgary-based human-trafficking ring.
Another accused, Mahmoud Nirabani, 20, was released on $2,500 no-cash bail earlier this month and ordered to live with his father, who agreed to act as surety for the accused.
Mohammad Zafari, 20, Abdullah Mohammed, 19, Mohammad Neirabani, 22, and Fadi Chtewi, 20, were released from custody. A 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of their age, were also granted bail earlier this month. Khaled Alsaid, 22, and Meriton Krasniqi, 26, were also released with the Crown’s consent.
The next court hearing for all 10 accused, including Noor, is set for Sept. 10.
Although the accused don’t face all the same charges, many of the charges include trafficking persons under 18, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and sexual interference.
Police reported they learned several individuals had selected and groomed a 15-year-old girl and took her to specific locations where sex offences took place. The same individuals had also engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.
Lethbridge police said three additional victims had also come forward in connection with the investigation and that as the investigation expands additional charges may result against those individuals previously arrested.
-With files from Delon Shurtz

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