4 victims of online child sex abuse identified after millions of files seized

Close-up image of a man typing on a computer.

Four young victims have been identified following a Quebec-wide investigation into the sexual exploitation of children online.

This comes after more than four million child sexual abuse and exploitation files were seized by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), leading to the arrests of 23 men between the ages of 26 and 73 years old.

“They have all appeared in court on charges of possession, distribution, and access to child sexual abuse and exploitation material,” the force notes. “Seven of them remain in custody.”

The police operation involved more than 160 officers.

“Computer equipment was seized for analysis during 25 searches,” the SQ explains. “Throughout the operation, no fewer than 4 million child sexual abuse and exploitation files were seized.”

The raids were carried out from May 11 to 14, and were a collaborative effort between the SQ, Montreal police (SPVM), Quebec City police (SPVQ), Laval police (SPL), Longueuil police (SPAL) and Gatineau police.

The SQ is encouraging the public to report any instances of online sexual exploitation of minors to Canada’s national tip line.