Together, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and 25 police services charged 63 people through the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. In a press release Wednesday, police say “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. Victims were also identified and safeguarded, with appropriate support provided to those impacted.” “Project Time is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement professionals across Ontario and Canada to protect children from exploitation. 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,” said OPP Det. Staff Sgt. Tara Clark, Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy Lead. Project Time results include: Members of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy say that law enforcement cannot combat these crimes alone. Parents, educators, child advocacy organizations, government and technology providers are essential in keeping children safe. Three area men have been charged: Howard Smith, 57, of Barrie Jean (Nicolas) von Kim of Barrie Adult male, 58, of Orangeville Possession of Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation Material Held in custody The Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy police partners have noted a significant rise in reports of online child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse material in recent years. Visit the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Ontario’s Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet (Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy) is comprised of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, 25 municipal police services, the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ministry of the Solicitor General and Victim Services of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Akwesasne through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy provides a provincially coordinated effort recognizing regional needs and issues, as well as the challenges associated with geographically dispersed victims throughout Ontario. The Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy units:
