Armed Forces member arrested on child pornography charges: Winnipeg police

The Winnipeg police headquarters seen in a file image (CTV News Winnipeg)

A 31-year-old Armed Forces member has been charged with child pornography-related offences after a warrant was executed at a Canadian Armed Forces base in Winnipeg.

According to police, officers received a tip in February that child sex abuse material was uploaded and shared on various social media platforms. A suspect was identified in Winnipeg.

The investigation determined between May 2018 and April 2019, the accused allegedly photographed an undressed child known to them and shared the image online.

Winnipeg police and Military Police officers executed a search warrant on the base Wednesday and arrested a man.

“On the date of the arrest, investigators learned the identity of the child, and determined that, in 2020, the accused had also coerced the child to engage in sexual activity,” Winnipeg police said in a statement.

The man, who is not being named to protect the child’s identity, has been charged with multiple child pornography-related offences and invitation to sexual touching. The charges have not been tested in court.

He was released on conditions prohibiting access to the Internet and anyone under 18.

CFB Winnipeg said they are aware a member was charged, and they are cooperating with the investigation.