A man from Calgary has been charged after threatening to share sexually explicit photos and videos of a teenager.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) brought in its Internet Child Exploitation unit to arrest 21-year-old Seung Chung.
ALERT said the sextortion investigation started after it was contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in May 2024.
"The FBI became aware of the threats in December 2023," mentioned a news release.
ICE received a warrant and searched a home in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary on Jan. 7, 2025, with help from local police.
Officers seized electronic devices including two iPhones.
"A full forensic analysis is being completed on the devices," added ALERT.
Chung has been charged with making and possessing child pornography, luring a child under 16, and extortion.
“Sextortion is blackmail, and we know it can have a detrimental impact on a young person’s mental health and self-esteem, which is why we act quickly in these investigations. It’s crucial that children and teens understand that they are the victim, and to get help before complying with any demands,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Auger with ALERT ICE.
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection said their organization receives around seven sextortion reports daily, with more than 2,600 every year.
Chung has a court date set for Feb. 11.
If residents have any information about the case or any online child exploitation situation, they can call Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3968 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).