WARNING: This story contains details about child pornography, sexual abuse and the torture and killing of animals.
A Winnipeg couple charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty are now also charged with bestiality, child pornography offences and for planning to torture a child.
Chad Kabecz, 40, and Irene Lima, 55, were arrested Oct. 9, after police searched a home in the city’s Lord Roberts area. They were charged with numerous offences, including killing or injuring animals and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
During the investigation, officers seized several electronic devices, which were analyzed, revealing hundreds of videos and photographs, and tens of thousands of encrypted communications between Lima and Kabecz.
From May 20 to Oct. 7, 2024, more than 75 animals were filmed or photographed being tortured and killed, police allege. In some cases, there was also a sexual component to the offence, police said in a news release on Wednesday.
Police say they also discovered communications between the couple discussing their intention to torture a child, and there was also a sexual component to this.
“From what we know, there were no children actually involved,” Const. Stephen Spencer said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “But there was a planning of that.”
The conversations between Lima and Kabecz do not identify any specific child, and they do not have any children of their own, Spencer said.
Investigators determined that in June 2024, Kabecz established an exclusive underground network on the “dark web” — online content that doesn’t show up through regular online searches and requires special software to access.
Prospective members were required to submit a video of themselves killing an animal to gain entry. Lima and Kabecz not only facilitated the creation and distribution of the content but also profited financially from it, police said.
Investigators further discovered that from May to October 2024, several images of child pornography had been accessed on a device belonging to the couple.
Lima and Kabecz were rearrested on Nov. 25 and charged with additional offences. Lima’s charges include conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of proceeds of crime, numerous counts related to bestiality, killing or injuring animals, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Kabecz was charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and compelling bestiality.
He had previously been released on bail but is now back in custody, police said. Lima was in court on Wednesday for a previously scheduled bail hearing, which was cancelled, and she was also returned to custody.
International investigation
The investigation has expanded, reaching several other countries, Spencer said at Wednesday’s news conference.
Law enforcement agencies in those countries will continue pursuing their own investigations, he said.
“This is definitely by far the biggest case that we’ve seen,” Spencer said about the animal torture and abuse. “It covers so many aspects of these criminal offences.”
Police are not aware of anyone else in Winnipeg being involved, he said.
Wednesday’s news release also cautioned people against acts of vigilantism toward Lima and Kabecz.
“This investigation has understandably captured public attention, with many people sharing information they’ve gathered about those involved,” it said.
“We want to assure the community that investigators and the justice system are handling this matter thoroughly and diligently, and we ask citizens for patience and trust in the legal process. Any form of retribution or inappropriate behaviour directed toward those involved will not be tolerated.”
Kristy Zamonsky was part of a group of animal abuse protesters who showed up at the Winnipeg Law Courts building on Wednesday for Lima’s bail hearing, and says she was shocked by the latest details.
“It just shows their level of evilness,” she said.
“I’m a social worker. That’s hard to hear, that somebody purposely is seeking out a child to torture. As soon as we heard the level of cruelty done to the animals, we were all wondering if it was just animals. Now we hear that it was possibly going to be more. And that’s terrible.”
Anyone wishing to speak to an investigator can call the east district community support unit at 204-986-3707, police said.
As well, anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals can contact the provincial animal care line at 204-945-8000.
Incidents involving animals can also be reported to the Winnipeg Police Service or by leaving an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477. Anonymous tips can also be left on the Crime Stoppers website.
