In August of 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Counter Exploitation Unit began an investigation after receiving a report of a female youth who had been sexually assaulted by an adult male who had befriended her through social media.
Investigators determined that the suspect was a 40-year-old male, described as South Asian, approximately 6ft. in height, approximately 160 lbs., with short dark-colored hair, a short-haired goatee, and small scaring on his forehead. Using the false identity of “Sam Rachen,” the suspect contacted and lured the victim, who was in her teens, through a social media platform to obtain sexual services. The suspect formed an exploitative relationship with the victim over approximately three weeks. During this time, the suspect would arrange to meet with the victim and engage in sexual contact in exchange for alcohol and money.
On September 3, investigators arrested the suspect without incident.
Sanjay Phulchand RATHOD, 40, of Winnipeg, is charged with the following charges:
- Sexual Assault
- Obtaining Sexual Services from a Person Under 18 years of age x 3
- Luring a Person Under 18 years of age by Means of Telecommunications
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information or who may have been in contact with the male involved in these incidents is asked to contact Counter-Exploitation investigators at 204-986-4281 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org.
If you find child pornography online or believe that an online predator is targeting a child, report the offence to Cybertip.ca.
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