Charges have been stayed against Tongun Justin Tongun, a Winnipeg man accused of 10 counts of sextortion involving victims across four Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island). Prosecutors decided not to proceed with the case because victims were unwilling to testify and "relive the experience." Tongun was charged in June 2023 after an investigation began in January 2023, following a report from a man who was threatened with online image sharing unless he paid money. While charges are stayed, they can be reinstated within a year, and restitution was sought for the victims.
Charges stayed against Winnipeg man accused in sextortion case police said involved victims in 4 provinces
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Charges have been stayed against Tongun Justin Tongun, a Winnipeg man accused of 10 counts of sextortion involving victims across four Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island). Prosecutors decided not to proceed with the case because victims were unwilling to testify and "relive the experience." Tongun was charged in June 2023 after an investigation began in January 2023, following a report from a man who was threatened with online image sharing unless he paid money. While charges are stayed, they can be reinstated within a year, and restitution was sought for the victims.
- 1 January 2023: Investigation began after a man reported sextortion.
- 2 February 2023: Police identified three more victims and charged Tongun with four counts.
- 3 June 2023: Tongun charged with 10 counts of extortion after six more victims identified.
- 4 May 7, 2025: All 10 counts of extortion against Tongun were stayed.
- 5 Tuesday (implied June 10, 2025): Provincial spokesperson announced the decision.
- Charges against Tongun Justin Tongun are not proceeding
- Victims do not have to testify
- Restitution sought for victims
- Charges can be reinstated within a year
What: Charges of sextortion against Tongun Justin Tongun have been stayed by prosecutors due to victims' unwillingness to testify.
When: Investigation began in January 2023. Tongun was charged in June 2023. All 10 counts were stayed on May 7 (implied May 7, 2025). Decision announced on Tuesday (implied June 10, 2025). Charges can be reinstated within a year from May 7, 2025.
Where: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), Canada.
Why: Prosecutors determined that proceeding with the case would require victims to testify, and they were unwilling to relive the experience, leading to the decision to stay the charges.
How: The Crown contacted victims, reviewed the matter, and decided not to proceed with the charges, but sought restitution for the victims.