Online predators coercing children to commit violence, Durham police warn

Police in Durham Region are warning parents, caregivers and the community about an increase in online threats involving coordinated groups they call “The Com.”

“The Com,” or the Community as it’s also known as, is a network of online predators who use a variety of tactics to exploit young people. The network uses manipulation, coercion, grooming and intimidation to build trust and create secrecy through fear or shame to then pressure victims into harmful or unsafe activities.

In some cases, the activities can result in violent and/or criminal behaviour, Durham Regional Police said in a social media post.

This has included coercing victims to participate in crimes such as making hoax 911 calls, online attacks, or sharing harmful content that police say they don’t realize the seriousness of doing so.

Children and youth aged eight to 17 are the primary target of “The Com,” and are communicated with through online platforms such as Discord, Telegram, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch and Steam.

Police say they have recently responded to a number of incidents in the community they believe are linked to the predatory group.

Among the tactics used are building trust through friendship or romance, manipulating youth with fear, guilt or intimidation and forcing compliance through threats such as exposing private information, doxing, or swatting.

Victims are also coerced into harmful or unsafe activities including creating or sharing inappropriate and exploitative images or victims, engaging in self-harm or harm towards others or animals or displaying concerning usernames, symbols or messages.

Parents, caregivers and members of the community are encouraged to watch for behaviour patterns in children and youth.

This can include using encrypted apps like Discord or Telegram without parental knowledge, showing an increased or secretive use of phones or electronic devices, a change in mood or declining performance in school, or an interest in extreme or harmful online ideologies.

Authorities caution one of these signs may not be a problem, but “multiple indicators” could prompt action. Police are urging parents to talk with their children about the risks of sharing personal information or images online, and to ask direct, non-judgmental questions about the platforms they use and people they interact with.

If people notice any concerning online activity or people on online platforms they believe could pose a safety risk, they should report it to police at 1-888-579-1520.