Calgary man faces child pornography charges in California sextortion case

Police allege a 21-year-old Calgary man lured a California teen online and encouraged the victim to share sexually explicit images and videos with him.

A Calgary man is facing child pornography charges following a sextortion investigation by the FBI.

In a Thursday news release, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) says its internet child exploitation unit was contacted by the FBI in May 2024.

It’s alleged the accused asked a California teen for sexually explicit images and videos, and then began threatening to share them online.

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ALERT searched a Beltline home on Jan. 7, arresting 21-year-old Seung Chung and seizing several of his electronic devices.

Chung is facing multiple charges including making and possessing child pornography, luring a child under 16 and extortion.

Staff Sgt. Mark Auger with ALERT says sextortion can be harmful to the mental health and self-esteem of victims.

“It’s crucial that children and teens understand that they are the victim, and to get help before complying with any demands,” he said.

Chung was released on a number of court-imposed conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 11.