23 men arrested for sexual exploitation of children online

Quebec provincial police (SQ) have seized millions of files and arrested 23 people in connection with a child pornography investigation.

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, police say.

“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.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.