Calgary restaurant owner charged for soliciting sexual services from a minor

A Calgary restaurant owner believed to have propositioned a teenage girl for sexual services in exchange for money and gifts last year has been charged.

Ruslan Reuven Pinkhasov, 48, was charged with one count of obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years of age, said the City of Calgary in a release on Feb. 25.

A 15-year-old girl and her family attended Pilav Central, an Uzbek restaurant located at 8330 Macleod Tr. S.E., in June 2024 when they were approached by a man who identified himself as the restaurant owner and offered the girl a job interview, which she accepted, according to the City.

During the interview, the man is believed to have asked the girl personal questions related to her relationship status and sexual history. He is additionally believed to have offered her $8,000 in exchange for sexual services and to have offered to marry her when she reached the age of 18, indicating he would financially support her and provide other benefits for doing so, according to the City. 

The girl reported the incident to the police, prompting a thorough investigation that resulted in Pinkhasov being charged.

He is scheduled to next appear in court on March 19.

The City of Calgary urges people with any information on this case or others to submit tips by calling 403-266-1234, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or by phone.