According to the Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal (SPVM), complaints about sextortion have increased in Montreal this year.
Posted at 9:30am.
Police say the Internet Child Sexual Exploitation Unit has received more than 100 complaints since early 2023, up from around 30 at the time. last year.
The SPVM has also reported a clearer increase since the beginning of the summer.
According to the police, the victims are usually between 14 and 17 years old. They are contacted by people posing as young girls.
After a well-initiated conversation, the victim is asked for photos of a sexual nature. A sum of money is then demanded, otherwise the person threatens to publish the photos on the Internet or send them to relatives.
The SPVM advises young people to use a pseudonym on the Internet with a photo that does not reveal their age, place of residence or interests. Above all, he asks her never to undress in front of the camera because you lose control as soon as a photo is sent.
Police are also urging the youths not to give in to the threat, stressing that this is an illegal practice.