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
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
DEVELOPING Michael Cohen takes the stand as testimony in Trump hush money case enters 4th week
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
opinion Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: Traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.