Markham man charged in online child luring case

Peel Regional Police have charged a 24-year-old Markham man in connection with an online child luring investigation that spanned multiple social media platforms.

The investigation began in December 2025 into an individual allegedly using platforms to lure youth under age 16. Police say the suspect posed as an underage male to obtain explicit images, then used those images to extort victims for sexual purposes.

Sugin Mohanathas was arrested on March 26, 2026, and charged with luring a child under 18, luring a child under 16, making sexually explicit material available to persons under 16, extortion, and possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

During his online chats with victims, the suspect used the alias "Keshawn" and created multiple social media accounts under the usernames nicovalentino23 on Snapchat and Forgiveme1236 on Instagram.

Investigators believe there may be other victims and are encouraging anyone who believes they have been a victim to contact them. Anyone with information should reach out to Peel Regional Police.