RCMP New Brunswick warns against vigilantism in child exploitation cases

Police in New Brunswick warn that civilian "luring" operations risk compromising active investigations. Since April 2024, 38 arrests and 74 charges have been laid.

RCMP warns public after vigilante groups target suspected predators in Dieppe and Moncton

New Brunswick RCMP have issued a public warning against vigilantism following reports that groups of individuals have been posing as children to lure suspected offenders, Global News Crime reports.

The incidents have been recorded in the Dieppe, Moncton and Riverview areas. Police say such actions not only put civilians at personal risk but can also compromise active investigations, evidence gathering and future court proceedings.

"We have a number of specialized units and teams who work diligently investigating these types of crimes each and every day," Cpl. Luc Picard of the New Brunswick RCMP said in a news release.

The RCMP operates several units dedicated to child exploitation cases, including the internet child exploitation unit, the digital forensic section, the major crime unit and the general investigation section.

Since April 2024, 38 individuals have been arrested across the province on child exploitation-related offences. A total of 74 charges were laid and 153 victims were located.

Picard noted that these investigations are technically complex and frequently time-consuming. "Due to the complexities of these investigations, and the expertise required to retrieve digital evidence in compliance with court demands, they often take time in order to ensure the case can be successfully prosecuted," he said.

Anyone who is a victim of a crime is asked to contact the RCMP at 1-888-506-7267. Those facing an ongoing incident or emergency should dial 911.

Source: Global News Crime