Three separate Cyber Crime Unit investigations result in charges

May 16, 2025

Three people have been arrested as a result of separate child pornography investigations.

The accused individuals appeared in court on Friday.

 

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca

 

Incident details are below:

 

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began an investigation last year after receiving information that an adult male had been interacting with a female youth online through a social media platform. During these interactions, the suspect solicited and sent nude images.

 

The investigation led to the identification of a suspect. The suspect was arrested on Thursday, May 15.

 

Damiyen MALO, 20, is charged with Luring a Child, Possession of Child Pornography, and Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child.

 

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began an investigation after receiving information that a local internet user was suspected of sharing child sexual abuse material last year.

 

Police executed a search warrant at a residence on February 27 and seized multiple electronic devices for further examination.

The continuing investigation led to evidence being found that the suspect had solicited nude images from female youth.

 

The suspect turned himself in to police and was arrested on Friday, May 16.

 

Arjun VIMAL ROY, 25, is charged with Luring a Child, Possession of Child Pornography, Accessing Child Pornography, and Distributing Child Pornography.

 

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began an investigation after receiving information that a local internet user was suspected of sharing child sexual abuse material.

 

Police executed a search warrant at a residence on April 22 and seized multiple electronic devices.

 

The suspect turned himself in to police and was arrested on Friday, May 16.

 

Daniel ATKINSON, 44, is charged with Possession of Child Pornography, Accessing Child Pornography, and Distributing Child Pornography.

Missing Person: Ivory PANACHEESE, 24

August 29, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Ivory PANACHEESE. PANACHEESE is described as an Indigenous female standing approximately 5’10” weighing roughly 140 lbs, with shoulder-length blonde hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of the letter R near her left eye.  If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Fraud Friday: AI generated scam videos

August 28, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents to be cautious when viewing online videos and advertisements that promote investment opportunities, cryptocurrency purchases, or quick‑profit schemes. TBPS has received reports regarding this type of scam before. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI‑generated videos to make their scams appear legitimate. These videos may feature fabricated spokespeople, altered public figures, or realistic‑looking presenters encouraging viewers to invest or send money. AI‑generated content can be difficult to spot, but there are common red flags. Protect yourself: • Inconsistencies with speech and mouth movements, or a speaker who appears unnaturally still. • Inconsistencies in lighting. • Eyes that lack vibrancy or appear unnatural. • Blurred edges, angles, or facial features, including “face wobble.” • Unnatural eye direction or blinking. • Missing facial features or missing details in glasses, hair, or teeth. • Overly smooth skin. • Misalignment in facial symmetry or features that do not match (for example, ears that differ noticeably). Verify any offers by contacting the company directly using a trusted source of information. If a video or advertisement seems suspicious, do not engage with it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service.  If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm ).

Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

August 27, 2026
TB26004555 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in February 2026, in response to a report of an individual possessing and attempting to access Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) through the Bing search engine. In July a home was searched on Thunder Bay’s south end leading to the seizure of 10 electronic devices. On August 26, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Blair O’CONNOR from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.