The New Brunswick RCMP is asking for the public’s help after a child luring and child pornography incident on social media.
Oromocto RCMP says a teenaged girl under the age of 16 was befriended in December 2021 by an individual on Snapchat, who went by the username “ik_ns21.”
Following an extensive investigation, two properties and two vehicles in Fredericton were searched on July 12 by members of the Oromocto RCMP.
The New Brunswick RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) and RCMP Digital Forensic Services (DFS) also assisted with the search.
Police seized a number of electronic devices, including cellphones and laptops.
“We are looking to speak with anyone who had interactions with the user ‘ik_ns21’ on Snapchat. You are not in trouble – we want to talk to you to gather information to support our investigation,” said Cpl. Stéphane Esculier of the New Brunswick RCMP in a news release.
“We need to know if there are other victims, so we can support you, and find those responsible.”
Anyone who may have had interactions – in person or online – with an individual using the Snapchat username “ik_ns21” is asked to contact the Oromocto RCMP at 506-357-3400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Investigators say they are also looking into whether this incident is linked to other recent incidents of child luring on social media in the area.
“We are asking parents to talk to their children, especially if they are teenagers on Snapchat. There are many resources available to parents to help them have conversations with their children about staying safe online,” said Esculier.
“If you suspect or know of any incidents of child luring, or other concerning interactions with any usernames on social media, please contact police.”
