Abbotsford – In October 2016, the Major Crime Unit (MCU) of the Abbotsford Police Department was contacted by investigators from Texas, USA, regarding an 11-year-old boy who was the victim of “cyberbullying” and extortion. It was believed that the offender resided in Abbotsford. The nature of the offences included the suspect demanding naked and sexual images from the victim for rewards or under threat of repercussions.
In February 2017, APD MCU executed a search warrant at an Abbotsford home and seized computers and a cell phone. In March 2017, a male in his mid-teens was arrested. He now faces charges of Luring a Child, Extortion, Making Child Pornography, Sexual Interference and Making Available Child Pornography.
As this investigation involves a youth victim and an accused youth, the APD cannot disclose many of the details which could result in the identification of those parties.
However, this extremely troubling investigation serves as a reminder to parents of children of all ages that monitoring the online activities and associations of their kids is a necessary precaution. In this case, the 11-year-old boy courageously reported the interactions with the suspect to his parents despite the threats he received. If it weren’t for those actions the offences would have continued and potentially could have involved many other victims.
Parents can find information and resources on the APD website that can assist with a variety of issues http://www.abbypd.ca/parent-resources
