Winnipeg man wanted in PH for allegedly paying for child sex abuse videos

Marshall Ruskin of Winnipeg, Manitoba is wanted by authorities in the Philippines for allegedly sending thousands of dollars to dark web operators there for the creation of “heinous child sexual abuse videos,” including the series called “Daisy’s Destruction.”

Ruskin, 63, is a former civilian webmaster for the Department of National Defence in Winnipeg. Police have had his electronic devices since 2019 and are asking the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench for an extension of time to keep them, according to a CBC.Ca News.

Winnipeg police seized the devices in an August 2019 search of the Garden City home of Ruskin and his 28-year-old wife. Investigators allege he paid to watch the sexual abuse of children in the Philippines through Skype.

Police believe the seized videos have recorded child sex abuse content, but they have not been able to access the evidence because the videos are encrypted and password protected.

“We all agree that this is an extremely disturbing investigation and Ruskin is a very dangerous offender who is likely continuing to exploit children,” Det. Sgt. Esther Schmeider wrote in the 2019 Winnipeg request for a search warrant.

According to a warrant of arrest issued in the Philippines in October 2016, Ruskin is wanted for the following offences: disposition of prohibited articles; photo and video voyeurism; acts of neglect, abuse, cruelty or exploitation and conditions prejudicial to a child’s development.

Winnipeg police learned of the Philippines investigation in February 2017. Two years later, they raided his Winnipeg home. There are no Canadian charges against Ruskin.