Markham man arrested for using social media to sexually lure and extort youth

Investigators from the Peel Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit have arrested and charged a 24-year-old man from Markham in connection with an online child luring investigation.

In December 2025, investigators launched an investigation into an individual who allegedly used multiple social media platforms to lure youth under the age of 16. The accused is alleged to have posed as an underage male to obtain explicit images, which were then used to extort the youth for sexual purposes.

The accused was found to be operating multiple social media accounts under the following handles: Snapchat: nicovalentino23and Instagram: Forgiveme1236.

The accused used the alias Keshawn during his online chats with the victims.

On March 26, 2026, he was arrested and charged with the following offences: Luring a Child Under 18; Luring a Child Under 16; Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to Person Under 16; Extortion; and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone who believes they may be a victim to come forward, as the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the ICE Unit at 905-453-2121, ext. 3490. Anonymous tips may also be provided through Crime Stoppers by calling 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477).