Arrests made following child sex abuse material investigations
The Kelowna RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit had a busy two months.
The unit executed five search warrants in separate, unrelated cases involving possession and distribution of child sex abuse material in April and May.
Each of the cases saw the suspects arrested and then released on specific conditions.
RCMP said sextortion, which is a form of blackmail that involves someone threatening to release sexual images or videos of the victim, continue to be reported to police, which are thoroughly investigated while supports are offered to victims and families.
Mounties are also continuing their work to educate local children on internet safety, which includes understanding the tactics used by online offenders, how to recognize high risk material, and what steps can be taking if they are a victim of sextortion.
“Combining enforcement and education, ICE investigators remain highly dedicated to combating this issue in our community,” Sgt. Tim Russell of the Vulnerable Persons Unit said.
“Our message to those possessing and trafficking in child sexual abuse material is clear: Stop. You will be found and held accountable.”
As part of national efforts to prevent sextortion and abuse of minors, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has several tips for what to do if being victimized, including:
- Stop the chat
- Take screenshots of the text and profile
- Block the account and report it to the platform
- Report to local police
- Report to and get support from cybertip.ca
- Do not send more images
- Do not pay
- Do not respond to demands
- Do not continue the conversation
Sextortion tips courtesy of the RCMP