A Calgary massage therapist has been charged with assault after allegedly strangling a client during a home appointment and practicing without a valid licence for nearly eight years.
Calgary Police Service (CPS) announced the charges following an investigation into the January 30, 2023, incident. According to police, a woman received a massage at her residence in the northwest community of Varsity. During the session, the therapist allegedly strangled her, causing her to lose consciousness.
The victim reported the incident to police on February 2, 2023. Further investigation revealed that the therapist had been operating with an expired licence since May 2015.
Lev Bortsov, 61, of Calgary, has been charged with one count of assault by choking. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
CPS investigators are now seeking information from anyone who may have been a client of Bortsov between May 2015 and January 2023. Authorities emphasize that even minor details could be crucial to the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Calgary Police at 403-266-1234 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
