Winnipeg woman charged with animal cruelty denied bail

Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised.

A Winnipeg woman accused of making videos of animals being tortured and killed that were sold on the dark web was denied bail.

Irene Lima, 55, was denied bail by Judge Kusham Sharma during a hearing Friday afternoon.

Lima could be seen in the prisoner’s box, looking down at the floor as Sharma read the details of her decision. Details from the bail hearing are under a publication ban and cannot be shared.

Lima and co-accused Chad Kabecz, 40, were arrested in October as part of Project Artemis after police received tips about animals being tortured and killed, and videos being uploaded on the dark web. They were charged with multiple offences related to animal cruelty, including killing or injuring animals and causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

Winnipeg police have previously alleged the pair created an underground black market network where people had to submit a video of themselves killing an animal to get access. They allege Kabecz and Lima organized content being created and shared and profited from it.

Police allege more than 75 animals were killed or injured between May and October 2024.

The pair were re-arrested in November and charged with additional offences, including bestiality and possession of child sex abuse material. Police allege Lima and Kabecz discussed their intention to torture a child.

Lima and Kabecz have been in custody following the re-arrest. None of the charges against them have been proven in court.

The accused have also been ordered by Sharma to have no contact with each other

Kabecz is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 30, while Lima is back on Jan. 17, 2025.