EDMONTON -- An Edmonton webmaster charged with corrupting morals has jumped bail, according to cops.

Mark Marek, 38, was charged with the rather uncommon offence in mid-July after border guards in Vancouver spotted him returning from travel in Asia and notified the Edmonton Police Service.

The charge stems from a homicide investigation into the death of Chinese undergraduate student Jun Lin in Montreal.

Marek’s website, bestgore.com, had a disturbing video posted to it entitled “1 Lunatic 1 Ice Pick” depicting the stabbing murder, dismemberment and cannibalism of Lin following news that police were looking for his alleged killer, Luka Magnotta.

In his bail hearing July 19, Marek’s lawyer argued that the video was posted with a disclaimer that said it seemed inauthentic and verification of the claim that it was the real thing was being sought.

He also said the video was taken down five days after Marek was supposedly brushed off by police when he brought it to their attention.

Marek was released on $7,500 bail with conditions including letting a bail officer know where he will live.

Conditions also said he has to stay in Alberta and is not allowed to access the Internet, go to Internet cafes or possess any electronic devices, including smartphones, which can be used to get online.

But when he failed to be available to bail officers Thursday, city cops put out a warrant for his arrest.

According to Staff Sgt. Bill Clark, Marek’s disappearance shouldn’t pose much of a risk to the public.

“We do have concerns he may try to flee, so we’d like to see him back in our custody,” Clark said.

“The problem is the offence he committed is working the website. It’s not violent what he did, it’s what he posted, so it’s tough for us to make a comment about public safety.”

Clark said little is known about Marek so police simply want to track him down as soon as possible.

Prior to being arrested, police learned that Marek had withdrawn $18,000 from a bank and it was feared he would fly to Slovakia.

The website, which claims to contain “gory image and video” including, but not limited to “death, including beheadings, executions, suicides, murders, electrocution, stoning, torching, drowning,” has remained up.

Marek, who is wanted on a charge of breach of recognizance, is Caucasian, six-feet tall with a shaved head, blue eyes and an earring in his left ear. He speaks with a Slavic accent.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.

david.lazzarino@sunmedia.ca

@SUNDaveLazz