Photo: HRPS
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has charged two underaged males following an investigation into an online extortion incident in Oakville.
In July 2021, the victim shared an intimate image with a male youth that she knew. The HRPS says she did not grant permission for the male to save the image. Once the intimate photo was saved, the male threatened to distribute it unless the victim sent more photos. The image was shared between two responsible parties, with a second youth posting it online.
On Friday, January 14th, the HRPS arrested the two males responsible.
A 15-year-old male from Burlington has been charged with:
- Extortion
- Distribute Intimate Image
- Voyeurism
A 15-year-old from Caledonia has been charged with:
- Distribute Intimate Image
Both accused were released on Undertaking.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The HRPS provided the following message:
Sextortion is a form of blackmail and it can happen to anyone. If you are a victim of sextortion, we are here to help you. Saving an intimate image without permission constitutes voyeurism. Report sextortion to the Halton Regional Police Service by calling our non-emergency number at 905-825-4777. Safety tips, as well as an informative video can be found on our website here: Sextortion.
