HALDIMAND—Haldimand OPP is warning, and reminding, the public to be extremely careful when sharing images and videos over the internet after a report of an extortion at a Haldimand County address.
On Monday, January 9, 2023 at approximately 12:20 p.m., the OPP were contacted by a resident reporting an extortion.
It was determined that a Haldimand County resident met an unknown individual online when both began to correspond. While conversing online, explicit pictures were shared with this individual.
The victim was then contacted by the same person who then demanded money, or the pictures previously sent would be shared on social media platforms and with the victim’s family and contacts. The victim realized that they were being extorted and immediately contacted police.
“Everyone needs to realize the long- and short-term dangers when requests are made to send out sexually explicit photographs or videos. Those who distribute it also need to be aware of the criminal ramifications of doing so. Once it’s out there, you can’t get it back and you should not be embarrassed to speak to police about your concerns,” advised Constable Ed Sanchuk, Haldimand County OPP.
