Durham police are alerting the community about an online group of predators who prey on children and lure them into illegal activities.
Authorities have been investigating several incidents thought to be connected to this group, referred to as “The Com,” which stands for “The Community,” Sgt. Janalyn Dowdle mentioned in a video shared on X, previously known as Twitter, on Tuesday.
According to police, this network focuses on children and teenagers aged 8 to 17 by using grooming tactics, manipulation, coercion, and intimidation.
The offenders “often build trust, create secrecy through fear or shame, and pressure victims into harmful or unsafe activities,” said a statement from Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).
These actions include forcing children to engage in crimes like online attacks and false 911 calls – commonly referred to as swatting.
DRPS is currently looking into a swatting incident that resulted in a lockdown at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in Oshawa last Friday and “are looking at links” to the network, acting Sgt. Nicholas Gluckstein stated in an email.
Earlier this year in February, police reported they had connected a series of threats made at a Pickering elementary school to this network.
“The Com” might also manipulate victims into sharing inappropriate images or videos and even encourage self-harm or harm towards others or animals, police noted in their post on X.
“They’re asking some pretty horrific things from our youth in the area,” said Det.-Const. Taryn Snow from the Durham police cyber crime unit.
Children may feel pressured to comply due to threats such as exposing personal information, doxing or swatting, according to police.
York Regional Police spokesperson Sgt. James Dickson mentioned that their service isn’t aware of any incidents directly tied to ‘The Com.’
also contacted Toronto police for details about whether they’re investigating the network.
Gaming Platforms Are Among Targeted Areas
Police say the network targets kids across various online platforms like Discord, Telegram, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch and Steam.
Parents should be mindful of behavior patterns in their children such as using encrypted apps – like Discord and Telegram – without parental consent.
Other warning signs could include increased secretive use of electronic devices or noticeable mood swings and declining grades.
“While one of these signs may not raise concern alone, multiple indicators together may warrant attention,” the statement said.
Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children the dangers of sharing personal images and information online.
“Make sure you have access to your child’s online accounts and regularly check their activity,” advised the post. “Pay close attention especially on platforms with chat or group features.”
If parents suspect something is wrong, they should contact the Durham police non-emergency line and keep screenshots of all relevant information – including messages, usernames and links.
Network Comprised Of About 3000 Groups: Expert “The Com” is described as “a decentralized online ecosystem of different groups,” accordingto Amarnath Amarasingam, a Queen’s University associate professor studying extremismand radicalization.
There are roughly 3000 different groups that make up what can be called ‘ The Com,’said Amarnath Amarasingam, a Queen’s University associate professor studyingextremismandradicalization.(CBC) p>Someofthosegroupsmayberelatedtocybercrimeswhileothersmayinvolvemaltreatmentandexploitationofchildrenorviolence-oriented subcultures,”hesaid.
Overall, hestatedthataround3000differentgroupscontribute tothe phenomenonknownas“The Com.”
Amarasingamsaidthepolicemaybewarningpeopletohelp identifywarningsigns- notjustforparents, butalsoforteachers, pediatricians, andeven veterinarians.
“Ifan animalcomesintotheveterinaryclinicwithbizarrebitemarksorcuts, itmightindicate somethingelseisgoingon, ratherthanjustaroutine injury,”hesaid.
Amarasingamsaid he’dpreviously spokenwithsomeonewhohecalleda “former perpetrator” involvedinoneofthese groups. Thisindividual claimedtoreceivemuch“cloutandstatus.. forwhat[he]wasabletogetyoungpeopletodoto themselves.”
“It’salmostakindofcrueltyforsakeofthe cruelty, andthe crueltyis howyougainstatusand recognitionintheseonline communities,”Amarasingamstated.
He notedthatparentsshouldrecognizethatit’s crucialnotonlytosetlimitsontimespentonscreens butalsotomonitorwhatcontenttheirchildrenare exposedtoonsocialmedia.
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