The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has launched extra particulars about a web based chat group wherein intimate pictures of not less than 117 ladies and youngsters from Canada, the U.S. and abroad had been obtained by way of hacking and shared on-line with out their consent.
The vast majority of the photographs had been taken by way of hacking and shared together with victims’ names in a web based chat discussion board, TBPS informed reporters on Thursday. Police within the northwestern Ontario metropolis did not title the discussion board or web site.
“Numerous the victims weren’t conscious that their pictures had been being traded and had been being distributed with out their consent. So shock was, I feel, within the forefront,” stated Robert Gombola, TBPS performing detective inspector.
The investigation has garnered vital consideration, with 172 charges laid.
On Wednesday, TBPS charged 12 males between ages 28 and 38 — all Canadian residents — with distributing intimate pictures with out consent. Seven of the accused face charges associated to little one pornography.
In addition to the 117 recognized, police stated there might be many extra victims.
“We’re speaking about youngsters as younger as in all probability 12 and we’re going as much as adults,” stated Det. Const. Joel Manherz.
Investigation started after alleged sufferer spoke up
TBPS started investigating in September 2023 after studying in regards to the chat group from one of many alleged victims who got here ahead to police.
After taking a look at gadgets in the course of the investigation, extra charges had been laid on prime of the intimate picture charges, stated Manherz.
“As we went by means of chats, we realized that one thing else was happening.”
TBPS laid luring and extortion charges on one accused. Manherz stated these charges concerned an alleged sufferer who was a minor.
“The blame right here would not lay with [victims]. The blame right here lays with the individuals who determine to go in and take their pictures and distribute them,” stated Manherz, the lead investigator.
Extra victims nonetheless to be ID’d: police
The alleged hackers might have exploited safety vulnerabilities that existed on the time to entry victims’ accounts, he stated.
“There’s a variety of speak on social media that cellphone restore retailers had been tied to this investigation, and there is not any proof of that in any respect,” stated Gombola.
Whereas most of the victims had their full names shared within the chat alongside their intimate pictures, many had been related to partial names, nicknames or no names in any respect, stated TBPS.
“We’re hoping by means of the media launch and the 12 recognized accused that extra victims might come ahead because of this investigation,” stated Gombola.
Anybody who believes their intimate pictures might have been shared with out their consent can contact TBPS, he stated.
When you or somebody you already know have been affected by on-line sexual violence or harassment, listed below are some sources to report the incident or get help:
When you’re in speedy hazard, name 911.
