Skip to Main content

22.96°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Nov 30, 2023 7:48 PM - Connect News

More than 16,000 cases of child online sextortion reported in B.C.this year

Share On

more-than-16-000-cases-of-child-online-sextortion-reported-in-b-c-this-year

In 2023, sextortion cases have doubled to 16000 cases. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

More than 16,000 cases of online child sextortion have been reported in BC this year. In the wake of the recent suicide of a 12-year-old boy in Prince George, police and children's advocates are urging parents and caregivers to talk to their children. Carson Cleland's parents say he was a victim of sextortion, and according to police, such cases are on the rise.

The BC RCMP's Integrated Child Exploitation, or ICE, unit says more than 8,000 cases were referred to them by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2022.

In 2023 this number has doubled to 16000 cases. Signy Arnason of the Canadian Center for Child Protection says that they are facing a public health emergency right now. According to BC's Attorney General, the province has introduced the Intimate Image Protection Act to try to prevent online sextortion.

Latest news

45-year-old man feared drowned in Okanagan Lake after falling from inflatable tube

A 45-year-old man is feared drowned after falling into Okanagan Lake while riding an inflatable tube being towed behind a boat, according to West Kelowna RCMP. Police said the incident happened Saturday afternoon when the man lost his balance and fell into the water. Investigators said he was not wearing a life jacket and struggled to stay afloat after entering the lake. According to RCMP, the boat operator jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the man but was unable to reach him. The operator was later rescued by another boater who was passing through the area. A dive team has been de

calgary-landlord-charged-after-alleged-hidden-cameras-found-in-tenants-bedrooms-and-bathrooms

AlbertaJul 13, 2026

Calgary landlord charged after alleged hidden cameras found in tenants' bedrooms and bathrooms

Calgary police have charged a 41-year-old landlord after tenants allegedly discovered hidden cameras inside bedrooms and bathrooms at a southwest Calgary home. According to the Calgary Police Service, a tenant reported on June 7 finding a small camera concealed inside a surge protector in a bathroom and another camera attached to a smoke detector in a bedroom. After informing other tenants, they also located similar hidden cameras in their rooms and contacted police. Investigators executed a search warrant on June 12 at a home in the 200 block of Springborough Way S.W., where they seized sever

vancouver-police-seek-witnesses-after-unprovoked-assault-at-marpole-bus-stop

Vancouver police seek witnesses after unprovoked assault at Marpole bus stop

Vancouver Police are asking the public for information after a man was allegedly assaulted without provocation while waiting at a bus stop in the Marpole neighbourhood last week. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, the incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on July 7 near Southwest Marine Drive and Ash Street. Investigators say the victim was waiting for a bus when a man approached from behind, pushed him and pulled the headphones from his head. Police allege the suspect then struck the victim several times with a longboard-style skateboard. The victim was able to flee the a

nearly-150-residents-displaced-after-apartment-fire-in-new-westminster

Nearly 150 residents displaced after apartment fire in New Westminster

Nearly 150 residents were displaced after a fire damaged an apartment building in New Westminster on Friday, with firefighters continuing suppression efforts through the weekend to extinguish remaining hot spots. According to New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, crews responded to a fire at Pinecrest Manor, located at 905 Fourth Ave., at about 1:30 p.m. Firefighters used ladders to rescue several residents from their balconies as the blaze spread through the building. Officials said the roof above the main entrance was destroyed, and part of the structure collapsed. Mayor Patrick Johnston

alberta-ottawa-and-major-oil-producers-sign-mou-to-advance-pathways-carbon-capture-project

AlbertaJul 13, 2026

Alberta, Ottawa and major oil producers sign MOU to advance Pathways carbon capture project

The Alberta government, the federal government and five major oil producers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the multi-billion-dollar Pathways Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, according to the governments involved. The agreement outlines a framework for collaboration on one of Canada's largest proposed carbon capture initiatives. According to the Alberta government, the MOU establishes shared objectives aimed at supporting Canada's economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project is designed to capture carbon dioxide from industrial operations and

Related News

45-year-old man feared drowned in Okanagan Lake after falling from inflatable tube

45-year-old man feared drowned in Okanagan Lake after falling from inflatable tube

A 45-year-old man is feared drowned after falling into Okanagan Lake while riding an inflatable tube being towed behind a boat, according to West Kelowna RCMP. Police said the incident happened Saturday afternoon when the man lost his balance and fell into the water. Investigators said he was not wearing a life jacket and struggled to stay afloat after entering the lake. According to RCMP, the boat operator jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the man but was unable to reach him. The operator was later rescued by another boater who was passing through the area. A dive team has been de

Vancouver police seek witnesses after unprovoked assault at Marpole bus stop

Vancouver police seek witnesses after unprovoked assault at Marpole bus stop

Vancouver Police are asking the public for information after a man was allegedly assaulted without provocation while waiting at a bus stop in the Marpole neighbourhood last week. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, the incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on July 7 near Southwest Marine Drive and Ash Street. Investigators say the victim was waiting for a bus when a man approached from behind, pushed him and pulled the headphones from his head. Police allege the suspect then struck the victim several times with a longboard-style skateboard. The victim was able to flee the a

Nearly 150 residents displaced after apartment fire in New Westminster

Nearly 150 residents displaced after apartment fire in New Westminster

Nearly 150 residents were displaced after a fire damaged an apartment building in New Westminster on Friday, with firefighters continuing suppression efforts through the weekend to extinguish remaining hot spots. According to New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, crews responded to a fire at Pinecrest Manor, located at 905 Fourth Ave., at about 1:30 p.m. Firefighters used ladders to rescue several residents from their balconies as the blaze spread through the building. Officials said the roof above the main entrance was destroyed, and part of the structure collapsed. Mayor Patrick Johnston

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital