Sudburian among dozens arrested in child exploitation investigation

A 37-year-old man from Sudbury is among dozens of men arrested in a child exploitation investigation across Ontario, police said Thursday.

A total of 36 people from across Ontario have been charged with 128 offences following a major undercover investigation by provincial and 26 local police forces.

Among those arrested was a 37-year-old man from Greater Sudbury who was charged with luring a person under age 16 and two counts of failing to comply with a prohibition order.

He was still in custody Thursday in Sudbury when he was expected to make his first court appearance.

Went uncover

“Twenty-one police services from the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet took part in the luring investigation from March 31 to April 11,” police said in a news release.

“Investigators utilized undercover techniques to access online chatrooms and social media applications in order to identify, locate and arrest persons looking to sexually exploit children.”

All of those charged are men between the ages of 18 and 73, including one who was already on the national sex offender registry.

Although undercover officers posed as children online, nine actual victims were identified during the investigation.

“They have been provided support and are safe,” police said.

Police said one suspect showed up to an arranged meeting with snacks, while another had sexual aids.

Another 51 investigations are ongoing, police added.

“These results highlight a sobering reality: predators can easily reach children in online spaces,” OPP Det. Staff Sgt. Tim Brown said in the news release.

“We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to talk to your children about staying safe online. Just as you wouldn’t leave your child alone in a city, don’t let them navigate the online world alone.”

There has been a significant rise in reports of online child exploitation, police added.