Ontario man charged after allegedly extorting victims over nude photos
A 19-year-old Georgetown resident has been arrested and charged with two counts of extortion, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) said in a statement.
According to police, an investigation was prompted in August 2020 when a victim reported being repeatedly contacted online and asked to send a nude image in exchange for money.
The victim was assured the image would only be viewed for a few seconds and deleted, police say.
It is alleged, after receiving the image, the suspect saved it and threatened to distribute it online unless a sum of money was paid, although no money was exchanged.
Benjamin Haden, 19, was arrested by HRPS on June 12, 2021. His residence was also searched and numerous electronic devices seized, according to police.
Haden has been charged with two counts of extortion.
Police believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone who may have interacted with one or more of the following identities to contact them immediately:
- Ben_Haden0821
- Zander_Laudry20
- Nick_Smith
- James_Hamilton
- S_man8080
In their statement on the arrest, police remind the public that all images shared over the internet can be saved without your knowledge, to never send images to unknown persons over the internet and to increase all privacy and security settings on all social media accounts
Additionally, the HRPS is encouraging parents to discuss online “sextortion” with their children.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.