22 men arrested in Quebec for online child sexual exploitation crimes

Hands type on a computer keyboard. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy)

A total of 22 men between the ages of 18 and 70 have been arrested in Quebec in connection with child sexual exploitation crimes on the internet.

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) notes the arrests follow a major operation that took place from Nov. 3-7.

More than 150 police officers were involved in the raids.

Of the men arrested, 20 have appeared in court to face charges of possession, distribution and access to files containing child abuse and exploitative materials.

Computer equipment was also seized for analysis in the 26 searches.

“This week’s operation is the result of significant collaboration and coordination,” said Lieutenant Katherine Guimond, head of the division investigating the sexual exploitation of children on the internet.

“This joint approach by various police forces makes it possible to strengthen efforts to combat the sexual exploitation of children on the internet.”

The arrests were in collaboration with Montreal police (SPVM), Longueuil police (SPAL), Laval police (SPL), Quebec City police (SPVQ), Gatineau police and the Boucherville major crimes unit.

Anyone with information about the sexual exploitation of children online is encouraged to visit this website.