Intimate images shared after hacking impact 117 Canada, U.S., overseas victims, maybe more: Thunder Bay police

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has released more details about an online chat group in which intimate images of at least 117 women and children from Canada, the U.S. and overseas were obtained via hacking and shared online without their consent.

The majority of the images were taken via hacking and shared along with victims’ names in an online chat forum, TBPS told reporters on Thursday. Police in the northwestern Ontario city didn’t name the forum or site. 

“A lot of the victims weren’t aware that their images were being traded and were being distributed without their consent. So shock was, I think, in the forefront,” said Robert Gombola, TBPS acting detective inspector.

The investigation has garnered significant attention, with 172 charges laid.

On Wednesday, TBPS charged 12 men between ages 28 and 38 — all Canadian citizens — with distributing intimate images without consent. Seven of the accused face charges related to child pornography.

As well as the 117 identified, police said there could be many more victims.

“We’re talking about kids as young as probably 12 and we’re going up to adults,” said Det. Const. Joel Manherz. 

Investigation began after alleged victim spoke up

TBPS began investigating in September 2023 after learning about the chat group from one of the alleged victims who came forward to police. 

After looking at devices during the investigation, additional charges were laid on top of the intimate image charges, said Manherz. 

“As we went through chats, we realized that something else was going on.” 

TBPS laid luring and extortion charges on one accused. Manherz said those charges involved an alleged victim who was a minor. 

“The blame here doesn’t lay with [victims]. The blame here lays with the people who decide to go in and take their images and distribute them,” said Manherz, the lead investigator. 

More victims still to be ID’d: police

The alleged hackers may have exploited security vulnerabilities that existed at the time to access victims’ accounts, he said. 

“There’s a lot of talk on social media that cellphone repair shops were tied to this investigation, and there’s no evidence of that at all,” said Gombola.

While many of the victims had their full names shared in the chat alongside their intimate images, many were associated with partial names, nicknames or no names at all, said TBPS. 

“We’re hoping through the media release and the 12 identified accused that more victims may come forward as a result of this investigation,” said Gombola. 

Anyone who believes their intimate images may have been shared without their consent can contact TBPS, he said. 

If you or someone you know have been affected by online sexual violence or harassment, here are some resources to report the incident or get support:

• Det. Const. Joel Manherz of the Thunder Bay Police Service: (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. 
• Crime Stoppers (Anonymous): online or 1-800-222-8477.
• Cybertip: online or 1-866-658-9022.
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868.
• The Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988.

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.