Strathcona RCMP identifies sextortion email source countries, completes investigation in 32 occurrences

The RCMP logo is seen outside the force's 'E' division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on March 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

By News Staff

Posted October 10, 2024 3:15 pm.

Last Updated October 10, 2024 3:23 pm.

Strathcona County have completed an investigation into 32 sextortion occurrences that occurred between September 16 and October 8, 2024.

The RCMP in a news release Thursday said sextortion emails were sent from Armenia, Palestine, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, and Libya.

According to officials, in each of the cases, the suspects claimed to know that the victim was viewing pornographic websites on the internet and sent an email demanding they pay $2,000 in Bitcoin or the suspects would release photos of the victim watching pornography to their contacts.

Investigators say they are not able to extradite and prosecute the suspects from these countries for reasons including the dollar value of the crime, level of the crime type ie: summary conviction vs indictable offence, and the cost to Canada.

Warning the public to be careful of their web browsing, RCMP said, “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.”

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