RCMP alleges BC man engaged in sextortion of teenagers in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario
A man from British Columbia is now facing almost twenty charges related to online sexual extortion. These charges are based on complaints from multiple victims in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario.
The RCMP in Burnaby, B.C. started their investigation in December 2022 after identifying 19-year-old Anwer Jelassi as the suspect. The victims had reported being extorted after sharing explicit images with someone they met on social media.
According to the Mounties, the suspect allegedly demanded money under the threat of sharing these images on the victims’ social networks. Most of the 23 charges against Jelassi involve victims aged between 15 and 18.
The charges include nine counts of extortion, as well as one count each of telecommunication to lure a child under 16, making or distributing child pornography, and posting intimate images without consent.
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The police indicate that Jelassi must follow court-ordered conditions, including restrictions on contacting the victims or individuals under the age of 16. He is also not allowed to use social networking or dating platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Bumble, or Tinder.
If anyone has information suggesting Jelassi is violating these conditions, they are urged to reach out to the RCMP.
Cpl. Max Gagné from the Burnaby RCMP’s unit for child abuse and sexual offenses praised the victims for reporting the extortion to the police. He stated, “Their courage in coming forward and speaking out has enabled us to progress in this investigation, leading to criminal charges.”
