Lure/sexual abuse – Investigation: C24-203753

In August 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service Counter Exploitation Unit launched an investigation after receiving a report of a young woman who had been sexually assaulted by an adult man who had befriended her on social media.

Investigators have determined that the suspect a 40 year old man, described as South Asian, approximately 6ft. tall, approximately 160 lbs., with short dark hair, a short goatee, and small scars on his forehead. Using the false identity of “Sam Rachen” the suspect contacted the victim and lured him, who was in her teensvia a social media platform to obtain sexual services. The suspect formed an exploitative relationship with the victim for approximately three weeks. During this time, the suspect would arrange to meet with the victim and have sexual contact in exchange for alcohol and money.

On September 3, detectives arrested the suspect without incident.

Sanjay Phulchand RATHOD, 40, of Winnipeg, is charged with the following costs:

• Sexual abuse
• Obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years of age x 3
• Luring a person under the age of 18 by means of telecommunications

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information or who may have been in contact with the man involved in these incidents is asked to contact Counter-Exploitation Investigators at 204-986-4281 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

If you find child pornography online or believe an online child abuser is targeting a child, report the offense to Cybertip.ca.

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