*Warning- Details in this story may be disturbing*
Two Winnipeggers charged with animal cruelty earlier this year are now facing even more charges.
In October 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service entered a complex investigation after receiving a report from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian Animal Welfare that included videos and photographs showing the torture and killing of animals, which were being shared on the dark web.
A 55-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man were arrested and charged with several animal cruelty charges.
A search warrant was executed at a home in the Lord Roberts neighbourhood. Several electronic devices were seized along with other evidence.
Since then, additional search warrants were obtained to analyze the seized devices, which led officers to even more gruesome discoveries.
The analysis of the electronic devices uncovered hundreds of videos and photographs and tens of thousands of encrypted communications between the two people accused in this case.
It was discovered that the man had established an exclusive underground black-market network where prospective members were required to submit a video of themselves killing an animal to gain entry. Both suspects not only facilitated the creation and distribution of its content but also profited financially from it.
"This investigation is continuing, could it be more money? [more than $5,000], absolutely. At this point, they know it's under $5,000." Constable Stephen Spencer said in a press conference.
Between May 20, 2024 and October 7, 2024, more than 75 animals were filmed or photographed being tortured and killed. In some of these instances, there was also a sexual component to the offence.
Investigators also discovered communications where both of the accused discussed their intention to torture a child. Spencer said, "There was a discussion regarding it and there was a sexual connotation to that which is why that charge was laid. There were no children involved but there was a planning of it."
Investigators further discovered that between May and October 2024, several images of child pornography had been accessed on a device belonging to the pair.
On Sunday, the two were re-arrested and face additional offences.
The 55-year-old woman has been charged with the following:
- Access Child Pornography
- Make, Print, Publish or Possess Child Pornography for the Purpose of Publication
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Possess Proceeds of Crime Under $5000
- Bestiality x 4
- Killing or Injuring Animals x 6
- Causing Unnecessary Suffering to an Animal x 6
The 40-year-old man has been charged with the following additional offences:
- Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm
- Compelling Bestiality x 4
Both remain in custody.
Spencer says that he does not believe any additional charges will be laid, however, it is an ongoing investigation. "Anything to do with the dark web or computers where we've seized devices and there are photographs and videos, other things tend to come up but at this point, those are the charges that we've laid."
Due to the nature of online criminal activity, this investigation has expanded internationally, reaching several other countries. Law enforcement agencies in those countries will continue pursuing their own investigations as part of this ongoing effort.
At this time, Spencer says, "I don't believe anyone else in Winnipeg was involved. This has spanned internationally so generally speaking when it comes to cases that involve the web, where it doesn't really matter as far as the offence is concerned other than the investigating units will be where it's procured."
"A lot of this content was procured in Winnipeg by these two individuals which is why they've been charged from here," Spencer said.
Spencer says this is the biggest case he has ever seen. "This is definitely by far the biggest case that we've seen and it's international, it covers so many aspects of these criminal offences. We've never seen anything like this."
Anyone wishing to speak to an investigator can call the East District Community Support Unit at 204-986-3707
If the content discussed today has been particularly difficult or distressing for you, please remember that support is available. Klinic provides confidential, 24/7 crisis services at (204) 786-8686 or toll-free at 1-888-322-3019. You don’t have to face it alone—help is just a call away.