26.8°C Vancouver

Aug 13, 2024 7:58 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. man accused of sextortion of teenagers in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario: RCMP

Share On
b-c-man-accused-of-sextortion-of-teenagers-in-nova-scotia-quebec-and-ontario-rcmp
Police say Jelassi is subject to court-ordered conditions including bans on contacting any of the victims or anyone under the age of 16.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

A British Columbia man is facing almost two dozen charges over allegations of online sexual extortion that police say stem from reports by several victims in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario.

A statement from RCMP in Burnaby, B.C., says they began an investigation in December 2022 after 19-year-old Anwer Jelassi was identified as the suspect.

It says the victims had come forward to report they were being extorted after sharing explicit images with someone they met on social media platforms.

The Mounties say the suspect then allegedly demanded money under threat of sending those images to the victim's social networks.

They say the majority of the 23 charges against Jelassi relate to victims between the ages of 15 and 18.

The charges include nine counts of extortion, and one count each of telecommunication to lure a child under 16, making or publishing child pornography and publishing intimate images without consent.

Police say Jelassi is subject to court-ordered conditions including bans on contacting any of the victims or anyone under the age of 16.

He's also prohibited from accessing social networking or dating sites, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Bumble and Tinder.

Anyone with information indicating Jelassi is breaching those conditions is asked to contact RCMP.

Cpl. Max Gagné with Burnaby RCMP's child abuse and sexual offences unit issued a statement commending the victims for reporting the extortion to police.

"Their bravery in stepping forward and telling someone has allowed us to advance this investigation, which has now resulted in criminal charges," he says.

Latest news

CanadaJul 20, 2026

Canada Child Benefit payments increase takes effect today, millions of families to receive higher amounts

Higher Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments began rolling out today following the federal government's annual benefit adjustment. According to the Government of Canada, the increase is expected to benefit approximately 3.6 million families and about 6 million children across the country. Under the updated benefit rates, eligible families can receive up to $8,157 annually for each child under the age of six, an increase of $160 from the previous benefit year. For children aged six to 17, the maximum annual payment has increased to $6,883, up $135 from last year. According to the Canada Revenue A
at-least-930-dead-as-congos-ebola-outbreak-continues-to-grow
WorldJul 20, 2026

At least 930 dead as Congo's Ebola outbreak continues to grow

At least 930 people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak, according to the country's Ministry of Health. The ministry said 2,344 Ebola cases had been confirmed as of Saturday. In an overnight update into Monday, officials reported 37 additional deaths in the previous 24 hours, marking one of the highest single-day death totals recorded during the outbreak. According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak was declared in eastern Congo on May 15 and has become the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. Health officials said the outbreak is caused by the Bundibug
multiple-arrests-made-as-rcmp-execute-coordinated-raids-in-maple-ridge
BCJul 20, 2026

Multiple arrests made as RCMP execute coordinated raids in Maple Ridge

Multiple people were arrested after the Maple Ridge RCMP carried out coordinated search warrants at several properties across the city on Saturday as part of an ongoing covert investigation. According to the Maple Ridge RCMP, the operation involved armed police officers, a helicopter and police service dogs. Simultaneous searches were conducted at multiple properties in the Port Haney Wharf and Silver Valley areas. Police have not disclosed the number of arrests or identified those taken into custody. Reports indicate the operation began at approximately 4:30 p.m. and continued for about four
lightning-sparks-surge-in-b-c-wildfires-as-more-than-100-fires-burn-across-province
BCJul 20, 2026

Lightning sparks surge in B.C. wildfires as more than 100 fires burn across province

British Columbia is experiencing a sharp increase in wildfire activity following widespread lightning strikes across the province. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the number of active wildfires climbed from about 20 on Wednesday morning to more than 100 by the weekend. As of Monday, 102 wildfires were burning across the province, including 12 that were discovered within the previous 24 hours. The agency said approximately 40 per cent of the active wildfires are classified as out of control. Most of the fires are located in B.C.'s Southern Interior region, where firefighting efforts con
AlbertaJul 20, 2026

More than 100 volunteers, Calgary police continue search for missing autistic 11-year-old boy

More than 100 trained volunteers joined Calgary police on Sunday as the search continued for Parker, an 11-year-old autistic boy who is non-verbal and has been missing since Thursday afternoon. According to the Calgary Police Service, approximately 120 trained volunteers are assisting officers, including police dog teams and bike patrols, in search efforts across areas connected to Parker's last known movements and reported sightings. Police are also playing his favourite Disney songs from patrol vehicles in the hope the familiar music may encourage him to respond. Parker was last seen Thursda

Related News