SCAM ALERT: Threatening text messages
March 27, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising members of the public of a scam that is currently circulating.
Police are aware that some local residents have been receiving aggressive extortive text messages claimed to have been sent by the boss of an escort service, threatening possible harm to the recipient and members of their family unless the provide payment.
Anyone receiving these kinds of messages should disregard them and not respond. Do not provide any form of payment.
The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit is urging family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam.
March is Fraud Prevention Month. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving Thunder Bay Police Service officers that occurred in June 2026. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded their investigation with no further process. With the conclusion of the SIU investigation, the Thunder Bay Police Service will now commence its required administrative review in accordance with Section 81 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The purpose of the administrative investigation is to review member conduct, the policing provided, and procedures all as they relate to the incident. This administrative review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board upon completion. The Special Investigations Unit media release can be viewed online: https://www.siu.on.ca/en/news_template.php?nrid=11497
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit and Operational Support Unit were dispatched to a business in the Court Street South area at approximately 10:05 AM on September 25, 2026, in response to a weapons call for service. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. A search of the accused led to the seizure of two-edged weapons. As a result of the investigation 24-year-old Silas KING from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Uttering threats – damage property Mischief under $5,000 Resist peace officer Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
TB26038465 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in September 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. On September 23, 2026, officers with the Emergency Task Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ogden Street area. A search of the home led to the seizure of roughly four grams of suspected crack cocaine and under one gram of suspected fentanyl, along with other items associated with drug trafficking. During the search two suspects were located and arrested. Later that same day officers located and arrested a third suspect. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, as well as over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 9 hydromorphone tablets. The street value of the seized drugs is approximately $25,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Boiyce NIEMI from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Unauthorized possession of prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order As a result of the investigation 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Failure to comply with release order As a result of the investigation 46-year-old William GODICK from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
