Durham police are warning the public about an online network of predators who target children online and manipulate them into criminal acts.
Police have been responding to a number of incidents believed to be linked to this network, known as “The Com,” short for “The Community,” Sgt. Janalyn Dowdle said in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.
Police said the network targets children and teens aged 8 to 17 using grooming, manipulation, coercion and intimidation.
The offenders “often build trust, create secrecy through fear or shame, and pressure victims into harmful or unsafe activities,” according to a statement from Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).
Those activities include coercing children into participating in crimes, such as online attacks and hoax 911 calls — which is known as swatting.
Online network of ‘predators’ linked to threats at Pickering elementary school, police say
DRPS is currently investigating a swatting incident that led to a lockdown at an Oshawa school on Friday, and “are looking at links” to the network, acting Sgt. Nicholas Gluckstein said in an email.
In February this year, police said they’d linked a series of threats at a Pickering elementary school to this network.
“The Com” may also manipulate victims into sharing inappropriate and exploitative images or videos, and engage in self-harm or harm towards others or animals, police said in the post on X.
Children may be forced to comply through threats such as exposing private information, doxing or swatting, police said.
CBC News has reached out to York Regional Police and Toronto Police Service to ask whether they’re also investigating “The Com” but has not yet heard back.
The network targets children across various online platforms, including Discord, Telegram, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch and Steam, according to police.
Parents are encouraged to watch for patterns of behaviors in their children, including whether they’re using encrypted apps — such as Discord and Telegram — without parental knowledge.
Other potential warning signs could be if a child has increased or secretive use of electronic devices or is having mood changes or declining academic performance.
“While one of these signs may not be of concern, multiple indicators together may warrant attention,” read the statement.
Parents are advised to talk to them about the risks of sharing personal images and information online.
“Ensure you have access to your child’s online platforms and regularly review their activity,” the post read. “Pay close attention to platforms with chat or group features.”
If a parent believes something is wrong, they are advised to contact the Durham police non-emergency line and save screenshots of all relative information — including messages, usernames and links.
