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Criminal exploitation of minors

Social media, online gaming platforms, and messaging apps (Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Telegram, etc.) are channels favored by criminal groups seeking to recruit minors and incite them to commit serious and risky crimes:

  • Arson
  • Extortion
  • Gunshots
  • Vehicle theft
  • And more

How do they do it?

Through coded advertisements, criminals offer young people “jobs” in exchange for money. The sums offered seem easy and quick to obtain. They are attractive, and some minors seek out these ads themselves. The reality is quite different. This is a form of criminal exploitation that poses great risks to the minors who fall into the trap

What are the real risks?

Behind the promises and images conveyed on social media (bundles of cash, luxury items, street cred, etc.) lie serious consequences for the minors who are recruited:

  • Threats against the teenager and his family
  • Debts to the criminal underworld if the “mission” goes wrong
  • Serious injuries
  • Criminal record

Listen to Kaiddowww, a young Montrealer whose life changed in a split second

Teenagers

Be wary of what you see on social media. There is no such thing as easy money without risk!

Criminalized individuals who post these ads are trying to manipulate you into doing dangerous things for them. And the violence doesn't stop when the “mission” is done. In many cases, they will force you to commit other crimes by threatening you.

If you find yourself in a bad situation, don't hesitate to ask for help (see the Resources tab).

Parents

The SPVM recommends the following measures:

  • Find out which platforms your teen uses and which groups and channels he/she follows.
  • Take any comments that glorify or trivialize violence seriously.
  • Pay attention to any changes in behavior.
  • Check the source of the money in his/her possession.
  • Make sure your teen does not communicate with strangers on digital platforms.
  • Check the security settings of installed applications.

If you suspect that your child or another minor in your circle may be involved in a situation of criminal exploitation, do not hesitate to seek help (see the Resources tab).