UPDATE: On August 26th, Saanich PD announced the suspects had been identified and arrested.
— original:
Saanich PD are looking to identify two suspects related to an extortion investigation that took place on a dating app last month.
According to reports, the suspects created a profile on Grindr to meet their victim, using the profile names ‘Jay’ and ‘Oliver’
During conversations, the two gathered personal and private information about their victims before providing false information and arranging to meet in person.
When they met, they used the information they gathered to threaten and then extort their victim of more than $2,500.
The suspects were captured by CCTV footage. Both are described as 18 to 20 years old with slim builds, one stands 6’0” tall while the other stands 5’9” tall.
A screenshot of the Grindr profile was provided.
“We are concerned that there may be other similar incidents that have yet to be reported,” said Constable Markus Anastasiades.
Anyone who has information, may have been affected in a similar manner or who can identify the suspects is asked to contact Detective Constable Dane Nicholson of the Major Crime Unit at (250) 475-4321 or by emailing dnicholson@saanichpolice.ca.
If you want to remain anonymous, contact Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477.
