The New Brunswick RCMP is asking for the public's help as part of an extensive investigation into child luring and sexual assault in the Fredericton and Oromocto areas. One man is in custody in connection with the investigation, and has been charged with 19 offences, including child luring, sexual exploitation and sexual assault.
"We believe this man targeted teenaged girls by using the 'add friends nearby' function in Snapchat, while near schools in the Fredericton and Oromocto areas," says Cpl. Hans Ouellette of the New Brunswick RCMP. "If you were contacted by this man, if you exchanged photos with this person, especially if you met up with him – we want to talk to you to help our investigation. You are not in trouble. We want to support you."
Police are looking to speak with anyone who may have had interactions - in person or online - with an individual on Snapchat with the user names, "M_vixin20," or "Abo_issauk". The individual is believed to have driven a mid or dark grey 2013 four-door Ford Focus, with license plate number JFU 475.
"We need to talk to anyone who had interactions with this person to further our investigation," says Cpl. Ouellette. "We need you to know that you can come to police. You will be heard, and you will be treated with respect and compassion"
The investigation began on June 12, 2022, when the RCMP received a report regarding three girls in the Oromocto area. Each of the girls reported being approached by an individual on the social media channel, Snapchat, between January and June of this year. The girls all reported meeting up with a man on various occasions between April and June, when they were sexually assaulted.
On June 12, police identified a person of interest, and made arrangements to interview a man but learned shortly after that the man had fled the area. Police were able to track his movements to Ontario, with the assistance of Hamilton Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service and Peel Regional Police.
On the afternoon of June 18, a 20-year-old man was arrested by Toronto Police Service in connection with the investigation. A Canada-wide warrant was issued on a charge of sexual assault to facilitate his transfer back to New Brunswick. On June 20, members of the New Brunswick RCMP escorted the man back to Fredericton.
On June 20, 20-year-old Firas Alobaid of Fredericton, appeared in Fredericton Provincial Court. In total, he was charged with:
- Six counts of sexual assault
- Five counts of sexual interference of a minor
- Three counts of sexual exploitation
- Three counts of child luring by telecommunication
- Possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose
- Uttering threats
He was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing on June 23 in Fredericton Provincial Court.
The RCMP is continuing to investigate.
Anyone who interacted with Firas Alobaid on social media, or who has information that may help the investigation, is asked to contact the Oromocto RCMP at 506-357-3400. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your children online, please visit the following links:
- RCMP Internet Safety
- Cybertip.ca
- Protectkidsonline.ca
- Needhelpnow.ca
- Dontgetsextorted.ca