In January 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service's Financial Crime Unit began an investigation when a male in his 20’s reported being the victim of sextortion. He shared intimate images of himself with an unknown individual online, who purported to be a young woman. Once receiving the images, the suspect threatened to share the images online unless he sent him money. The victim e-transferred money to the perpetrator to avoid having his intimate images distributed and did not hear from the suspect again.
In February 2023, the Financial Crimes Unit identified three additional victims and charged a male suspect with Extortion x 4.
A subsequent investigation linked the accused to similar crimes across Canada. With the assistance of Cybertip.ca and other law enforcement agencies (RCMP, York Regional Police Service, Hamilton Police Service and Halton Police Service), six additional male victims were identified within Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.
Investigators believe these crimes may have international ties as money was transferred overseas.
On June 11, 2023, a 21-year-old male, Tongun Justin TONGUN, of Winnipeg (previously charged as above) was charged with six additional counts of Extortion.
He was released on an Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.
Sextortion is a form of online blackmail that occurs when someone online threatens to distribute intimate/sexual images of a victim unless they pay the suspect. Victims are often teen males and young adults who believe they are communicating with a female online to facilitate a relationship or an intimate connection.
Almost immediately after receiving the images, the perpetrator threatens to distribute the victim's images online or send them to family, friends or colleagues. Feeling trapped, the victim fears the embarrassing outcome and agrees to send money to "pay off" the suspect.
Over the last 12 months, Cybertip.ca, (Canada's tipline for reporting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children), has received more than 3,400 reports from children and young adults who have been targeted, victimized and sextorted while using online social media platforms.
What do I do if this happens to me?
If someone threatens to share your intimate images or if they have already been shared, take the following precautions:
Screenshot the online communications & block or deactivate the account
Do not delete your account (for investigational purposes)
Do not pay money, do not send more money or more images
Stop payments, notify your financial institution, and make a police report online
Go to NeedHelpNow.ca if you have been exploited online or your intimate images have been shared.
- There is help removing the images if uploaded or shared online
- There is emotional support available
Report to Cybertip.ca
Make a police report online to the Winnipeg Police Service