The Winnipeg Police Service's Counter Exploitation Unit entered into an investigation with persons attempting to lure children for sexual purposes using online classified sites and messaging apps.
On January 16, 2023, a 67-year-old male Lawrence DRAHO of Winnipeg, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Luring a Person Under 16 years of age by Means of Telecommunication
- Transmit, Make Available
- Distribute or Sell Sexually Explicit Material to a Person Under 16yrs
- Makes, Prints, Publishes or Possesses for the Purpose of Publication any Child Pornography
He was released with conditions to limit his access to the internet and anyone under 18, as directed by the Criminal Code.
Citizens are encouraged to report incidents of online sexual exploitation. For more information about online child victimization or to report concerns, visit Canada's national tip line Cybertip.ca
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection provides resources for parents, guardians and children about internet safety and internet luring.