Ontario Provincial Police say they have identified the person responsible for a series of “swatting” calls in Haldimand County but say they won’t be charged.
Swatting is a false threat meant to elicit a large response from emergency responders, especially police.
OPP said several incidents were reported in Haldimand County over a two-day period.
On Sept. 2, around 8 p.m., someone called in a bomb threat to 911. It was directed at a home on Haldimand Road 53 near Jarvis.
A similar call was made towards an unnamed school the following day. Police said the building was placed in lockdown while they investigated. The threat was later determined to be unfounded.
On Sept. 19, OPP identified the caller as a person under the age of 18.
“Investigators have established this person was victimized by being threatened and coerced into participating in these incidents,” they wrote in a media release.
During their investigation, OPP linked the swatting calls to an online group known as the “764” or “The Com”.
“This movement is made up largely of youth who use intimidation and threats, including swatting and ‘doxing’ (the release of personal information online), to manipulate and control vulnerable teenagers,” the release explained. “Unlike traditional cybercrime, these individuals are not motivated by money, but by peer recognition. Their tactics can escalate quickly, with the potential to cause severe emotional, physical and psychological harm to their victims.”
Swatting incidents, like the two in Haldimand County, have serious consequences by diverting personnel and resources, potentially delaying response times to other emergencies.
“Swatting is not a prank - it’s a crime that puts lives at risk and traumatizes young people,” said Insp. Andrew Fox, the commander for Haldimand County OPP. “The 764 movement is a dangerous group that exploits vulnerable kids in our communities. We want families to be aware, to talk with their children, and to help us prevent these crimes from taking root here in Ontario.”
“The Com”
The RCMP describes “The Com” as a violent group that targets and manipulates children using threats, harassment, extortion and coercion. Victims are urged to engage in sexually explicit acts, create child exploitation material, torture or kill family pets or other animals, self-harm, attempt or complete suicide, as well as other violent acts.
Police said members of the group contact children through social media platforms, online games and apps, such as Discord, Telegram, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch and Steam.
They also use coercive tactics to get their desired outcome, including doxing, threatening the victim’s family or threatening to publicly post explicit content.
The RCMP has more about the group, the warning signs parents should look out for, and resources on their website.
