At least two people have killed themselves after falling victim to the hack on the Ashley Madison website, Canadian police have revealed.
"Today I can confirm that Avid Life Media is offering a $500,000 (£241,065) reward to anyone providing information that leads to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for the leak of the Ashley Madison database," said acting Superintendent Bryce Evans.
The announcement was made at a news conference at Toronto Police headquarters. It came a week after hackers released detailed records on millions of people registered with the website.
Police said they were also investigating allegations of extortion linked to the data being leaked.
There are now hate crimes as a result of the #AshleyMadisonHack says Acting Staff Superintendent Bryce Evans #AMcaseTPS ^sm
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) August 24, 2015
The release of the material followed a break-in at Ashley Madison's parent company, Toronto-based Avid Life Media Inc. The website, whose slogan is, "Life is short. Have an affair," is marketed to facilitate extramarital affairs, the Associated Press said.
Police in Canada announced they were establishing a social media account to handle tips and answer questions on the issue.
#AMcaseTPS This account allows for "Direct Messaging" w/o having to follow our account. We will respond to all messages as soon as we can
— TPS AM investigation (@AMcaseTPS) August 24, 2015
Meanwhile, another report said a US police officer from Texas had also taken his life, days after his name was linked to the website.
Captain Michael Gorhum, who had served for 25 years with the San Antonio Police Department, killed himself last week.
A report on MailOnline said a colleague of Mr Gorhum posted a moving tribute on Facebook that said: "Rest in Peace Captain Mike Gorhum. You truly are one of the guys, I've most respected in my Law Enforcement Career, no task too big, no goal too loafty.
Captain Michael Gorhum reportedly killed himself last week
'Never met a stranger, never backed down, always had your partners back or when you were in charge, your Officer's back. Whatever it was, I wish one of us could have reached you, could have told you, "regardless, it will be OK".
It added: 'Love you Mike. This is a hard day. God bless you, and your Family and the Department."
