Calgary man faces multiple sexual exploitation charges

A Calgary man is charged with 24 counts of sexual exploitation and child pornography.

Police launched an investigation in January 2024 after receiving reports that a teenage girl had met an unknown man online and was sexually exploited and assaulted after arranging to meet in person.

The couple are said to have met in the man’s car, where he offered the girl alcohol in exchange for sexual acts.

The victim told her mother, who then called the police.

During the investigation, five more victims, aged 12 to 16, were identified after they disclosed similar incidents.

“In each case, the suspect was unknown to the victims, but befriended them through apps such as Instagram and Snapchat before meeting,” the Calgary Police Service (CPS) said in a press release.

“Once again, the suspect offered the victims things like alcohol and marijuana in exchange for sexual acts.”

Hammad Shaikh, 24, of Calgary has been charged with:

• Five charges of sexual abuse;
• Sexual assault during strangulation;
• Four counts of sexual interference;
• Five counts of sexual exploitation;
• Four cases of lure;
• Two counts of possession of child pornography;
• The production of child pornography; and
• Two counts of accessing child pornography.

He is due to appear in court on September 10.

The victims receive support from the LUNA Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.

Police encourage parents, caregivers and guardians to discuss online safety tips with their children.

Anyone with information regarding this or similar incidents is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234.

You can submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers.