An Edmonton tattoo artist has been charged with five counts of sexual assault after multiple women reported being violated in what should have been a routine appointment.
Iskotew Gladu, 40, was arrested on April 18 following an Edmonton Police Service investigation. According to EPS, Gladu touched female clients in a sexual manner on multiple occasions while in the middle of tattooing them. Most of the alleged incidents happened in 2025, though at least one dates back to 2021 meaning this went on for years before police were notified.
Where It Happened
Gladu worked at two tattoo studios in Edmonton one near 118 Avenue and St. Albert Trail in north Edmonton, and one inside Kingsway Mall in central Edmonton. Anyone who received a tattoo from Gladu at either location is being asked to contact police, particularly if they experienced anything that felt inappropriate.
The Charges and His Conditions
Gladu faces five counts of sexual assault and has been released with conditions. He cannot contact any of the complainants, cannot possess any weapons, and critically if he continues working as a tattoo artist, he is not allowed to be alone with any client at any time.
That last condition matters. The nature of tattooing places clients in a uniquely vulnerable position lying still, often partially undressed, in a one-on-one setting with someone they've just met. It's a dynamic built entirely on trust, and one that EPS clearly identified as the enabling factor here.
Why Police Are Speaking Publicly
EPS releasing Gladu's name and photo publicly is deliberate. Investigators believe there are additional victims who haven't yet come forward people who may not have known others had the same experience, or who didn't realize what happened to them was something police would act on.
Sexual assaults in professional settings are chronically underreported. Victims often question whether what happened was intentional, worry they won't be believed, or feel embarrassed about the circumstances. Police going public is an invitation for anyone on the fence to make the call.
If You Were a Client
Anyone who received a tattoo from Gladu and experienced anything that felt wrong is encouraged to contact EPS directly at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can go to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at p3tips.com/250.
Support is available for anyone affected by sexual violence through local sexual assault services or through the EPS victim support unit.
Sources
Edmonton Police Service Tattoo Artist Charged with Sexual Assault, Media Release MRU #SA26R005 (April 20, 2026): edmontonpolice.ca
