Sextortion cases where local children are being coerced into sending nude and explicit content online is being fuelled by a growing overseas market, warns Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).
“What we’re really seeing is a lot of kids sending nudes back and forth, and this is becoming normal, so it’s exploring sexuality,” Sgt. Kerry Shima, with ALERT’s internet child exploitation unit , based in Edmonton.Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary SUN, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
“What teens would consider somebody an attractive girl or attractive boy, somebody who they would add to their friend list without doing a lot of questioning about who it is,” he said. “We’re also seeing that teens pretty much add anybody to their social media, particularly Snapchat and Instagram if they get a request.
“Kids kind of get into a loop and if they don’t know what to do at that point, oftentimes they’re going to comply with the demands or threat in order to try and make it stop,” Shima said.Article contentHe said the typical age investigators are seeing in these types of cases are teens between 11 and 15. More and more boys are also becoming victims but that doesn’t mean offenders are choosing males because they are a better target.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sextortion of children rising with global demand a force, says ALERT EdmontonSextortion cases where local children are being coerced into sending nude and explicit content online is being fuelled by a growing overseas market, warns Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).
Read more »
IN PHOTOS: A look inside Edmonton’s Coliseum building as it awaits demolition - Edmonton | Globalnews.caEdmonton city officials gave some of the media a tour of the Edmonton Coliseum, formerly known as Rexall Place and Skyreach Centre. It's set to be demolished in 2026.
Read more »
‘Latimer Two’: 75-year-old Edmonton man admits to manslaughter for killing severely disabled wifeAfter a years\u002Dlong police investigation, Francois Belzile was charged with first\u002Ddegree murder for Christiane\u0027s death
Read more »
Obnoxiously loud vehicles will be fined $1K following changes to bylaw passed by Edmonton city council - Edmonton | Globalnews.caCars and motorcycles making excessive noise will be fined after Edmonton city council passed a bylaw Friday.
Read more »
Man charged after several women threatened with sexual violence selling items online in Edmonton - Edmonton | Globalnews.caPolice believe there are more victims. They said the suspect often goes by the name Freddie and communicates via text at a number beginning with 780 and ending in 6638.
Read more »
Bats and bare concrete: A final tour through Edmonton's empty ColiseumDuring a tour of the building Friday, City of Edmonton officials warned to watch out for rodents, bats and birds that have entered through building vents.
Read more »