Between mid-September and early October, Strathcona RCMP completed an investigation into 32 sextortion incidents. In each case, suspects claimed to know that the victim was viewing content on adult websites and sent emails demanding $2,000 in Bitcoin. They threatened to release photos of the victim watching pornography to their contacts if the demands were not met.
Following the investigation, police determined that the suspects were sending these emails from various countries, including Armenia, Palestine, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, and Libya.
Due to the dollar value of the crime, the level of the offense, and the associated costs to Canada, police were unable to prosecute the suspects.
Strathcona RCMP would like to remind the public to be careful of their web browsing. If you receive an extortion email do not pay the extortion money. Paying the extortion demand will not improve your situation. The suspects will continue the extortion.
If you have information regarding any illegal activity within the Strathcona County detachment area, please contact Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
