‘Deeply disturbing’ details emerge in Winnipeg animal cruelty case – Winnipeg

WARNING: Story contains graphic details that may be disturbing to some readers

Winnipeg police have announced more charges in a shocking animal cruelty case.

Police said Wednesday that 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 home in the Lord Roberts area was searched and police seized evidence, including numerous electronic devices.

Lima and Kabecz were arrested again on Monday after police said an analysis of those electronic devices led to the discovery of hundreds of disturbing videos and images, as well as tens of thousands of encrypted messages between the two suspects.

Police allege Kabecz created a private, underground social network in June that required potential members to kill an animal — and submit a video of the crime — to gain membership.

Between May 20 and October 7, police said, more than 75 animals were filmed or photographed being tortured and killed, and some of the images allegedly contained sexual elements.

Among the communications between Lima and Kabecz, police said, were conversations about their intent to torture a child, as well as several images of child pornography.

Lima now faces 20 additional charges, including six counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and killing or injuring an animal, plus four counts of bestiality and charges of accessing child pornography, producing, printing or publishing child pornography and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Kabecz faces five additional charges: four counts of persuasive bestiality and one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Police said the analysis of the devices has also led to suspects in other countries, with local law enforcement in those areas involved in the ongoing investigation.

At a press conference on Wednesday morning, const. Stephen Spencer called the allegations “deeply disturbing”.

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“I want to acknowledge the impact it can have on our community,” Spencer said.

“Crimes like these can be difficult to hear about and can leave many feeling uneasy and uneasy. It is important to remember that our collective strength as a society is the key to standing against such actions.”

Spencer said police do not believe anyone else in Winnipeg is a suspect in the case.

“Generally speaking, when it comes to cases like this that involve the web, where someone is doesn’t really matter as far as the offense is concerned, other than the investigative units will be where it’s procured,” he said.

“A lot of this content was acquired in Winnipeg by these two individuals and that’s why they’ve been charged out of here. As far as anyone else involved at this point, we’re not aware of. And the investigation is still ongoing.”

Anyone with information or who wishes to speak with 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 animal welfare concerns.

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