A major investigation into child exploitation in Edmonton has led to a significant expansion of charges against a local man, with police announcing 17 new offences after forensic work uncovered additional alleged victims.
Forensic Analysis Uncovers Four More Alleged Victims
According to a news release issued on Thursday, investigators from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit and the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) child protection section identified four new alleged victims through forensic analysis of seized electronic devices. All four newly identified individuals are between 14 and 17 years of age.
The case centres on Heman Palani, 36, of Edmonton. He was initially taken into custody on April 23, 2025, following a joint investigation that began in October 2024. The original arrest was connected to allegations involving the luring of two Edmonton youths and the sexual assault of a young girl.
Multiple Online Aliases Used in Alleged Luring
Police detailed that the accused allegedly used numerous aliases across various social media platforms to target victims. These online identities reportedly included 'itsz-ariel', 'lookn4sugarbabe', 'rayaplz5minutes', 'sugaring4ababy', '21RaysofSun', 'fennecfox7830', 'hermesthefox', and 'fockxindahenhouse'. He also allegedly went by the names 'Zane' and 'Hemi'.
Investigators believe the initial two victims were contacted through social media before meetings occurred in person.
New Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The 17 new charges laid against Palani include:
- Four counts of child luring
- Four counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18
- Three counts of possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material
- Three counts of making child sexual abuse and exploitation material
- Two counts of failing to report to probation
- One count of sexual assault
Staff Sgt. Alison Church commended the courage of the victims. "There is incredible strength and bravery in each of these girls who chose to come forward and share their stories with police and the team at the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, who are continuing to offer supports and resources," she stated.
Palani remains in custody and is scheduled for a court appearance on Friday, December 19, 2025. The investigation is active, and police are continuing efforts to identify and speak with any other potential victims or witnesses.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Those outside Edmonton should contact their local police department. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
