WARNING: The story contains graphic details that may be disturbing to some readers
Winnipeg police have announced more charges in a harrowing animal cruelty case.
Police said Wednesday the investigation — which involved videos and photos of animals being killed and tortured that surfaced on the dark web — has led to even more serious charges than the laundry list the two suspects were handed earlier this fall.
Irene Lima, 55, and 40-year-old Chad Kabecz of Winnipeg, were arrested in October. A Lord Roberts-area home was searched, and police seized evidence including several electronic devices.
Lima and Kabecz were re-arrested Monday, after police say an analysis of those electronic devices led to the discovery of hundreds of disturbing videos and photos, as well as tens of thousands of encrypted messages between the two suspects.
Police allege that Kabecz created a private, underground social network in June, which required prospective members to kill an animal — and submit a video of the crime — in order to gain membership.
Between May 20 and Oct. 7, police said, more than 75 animals were filmed or photographed being tortured and killed, and some of the images allegedly included sexual elements.
Among the communications between Lima and Kabecz, police said, were conversations about their intention to torture a child, as well as several images of child pornography.
Lima now faces two dozen additional charges, including six counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and killing or injuring animals, plus four counts of bestiality, and charges of accessing child pornography, making, ping or publishing child pornography, conspiring to commit an indictable offence, and possessing the proceeds of crime.
Kabecz faces almost 30 more charges of his own — including the same offences as Lima, plus uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
Police said the analysis of the devices has led to suspects in other countries as well, with local law enforcement in those areas involved in the ongoing investigation.
At a press conference Wednesday morning, Const. Stephen Spencer called the charges “deeply disturbing”.
“I want to acknowledge the impact it may have on our community,” Spencer said.
“Crimes like these can be difficult to hear about and may leave many feeling upset and uneasy. It’s important to remember that our collective strength as a community is key to standing against such acts.”
Spencer said police don’t believe anyone else in Winnipeg is suspected in the case.
“Speaking generally when it comes to cases like this that involve the web, where somebody is doesn’t really matter as far as the offence is concerned, other than the investigating units will be where it’s procured,” he said.
“A lot of this content was procured in Winnipeg by these two individuals, which is why they’ve been charged from here. As far as anybody else involved at this time, we’re not aware of. And the investigation is still continuing.”
Anyone with information or who wants to speak to investigators is asked to call the East District community support unit at 204-986-3707, as well as the Provincial Animal Care Line at 204-945-8000 with any concerns about animal welfare.