WINNIPEG — Police in Winnipeg have laid more than a dozen new charges in the case of a man and woman accused of torturing and killing animals and posting the images online.
Irene Lima, 55, and Chad Kabecz, 40, were arrested last month and accused of killing or torturing about 10 cats for content on the dark web.
Police said Wednesday they have since searched electronic devices and found evidence that more than 75 animals were filmed or photographed being tortured and killed, in some cases with a sexual component.
Some of those cases were submitted by people in other countries who wanted to join a group Kabecz is accused of setting up, police said.
"Kabecz established an exclusive underground black market network, where prospective members were required to submit a video of themselves killing an animal to gain entry," Const. Stephen Spencer, a spokesperson for the Winnipeg Police Service, said.
"Between May 20, 2024, and Oct. 7, 2024, more than 75 animals were filmed or photographed being tortured or killed. None survived."
Police also allege the accused discussed an intention to harm a child, and one of their devices contained several images of child pornography. There is no evidence any children were actually involved, Spencer said, although the investigation is ongoing.
Lima faces several new charges including accessing child pornography, bestiality and six additional counts of killing or injuring animals. Kabecz's new charges are compelling bestiality and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
Because of the evidence gleaned internationally, the investigation has spread to several other countries, Spencer said, although he would not name them as the investigation is still underway.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024.
Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
