Seven people from across northern Ontario are among 63 suspects who have been charged in a coordinated crackdown on child sex abuse and exploitation in the province. In a July 23 news release, Ontario Provincial Police said the arrests were made as part of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. The effort is a joint initiative involving the OPP and 25 other police services. In addition to the arrests, 51 victims were identified. “As part of Project Time, a coordinated provincial effort to identify and apprehend those who prey on children, investigators targeted individuals making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material,” the OPP said in a news release. Total of 213 charges “Victims were also identified and safeguarded, with appropriate support provided to those impacted.” A total of 213 charges have been laid, 814 electronic devices seized and 264 criminal investigations conducted as part of 154 ongoing investigations. Of the arrests, two accused were in a position of trust and authority in their communities and eight are repeat offenders. Three suspects are from Thunder Bay, two are from Greater Sudbury and one each is from Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay. All those charged from the north are male, while two from Thunder Bay are 15 years old. The rest are adult men. A list of all suspects charged can be found here. Most names are redacted because of publication bans. “Members of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy recognize that law enforcement cannot combat these crimes alone,” police said. “Parents, educators, child advocacy organizations, government and technology providers are essential in keeping children safe.” Learn to keep kids safe With the reports of online child exploitation increasing in recent years, parents and guardians are to learn how to keep children safe by visiting the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Anyone with any information related to child sexual exploitation should contact their local police or report it to cybertip.ca. “Project Time is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement professionals across Ontario and Canada to protect children from exploitation,” OPP Det. Staff Sgt. Tara Clark, provincial internet child exploitation strategy lead, said in the news release. “The results of this operation demonstrate the power of collaboration, the strength of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy and the relentless pursuit of those who prey on the most vulnerable.”
