Toronto: A joint investigation conducted by multiple police agencies across Ontario targeting online child exploitation and the dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) has resulted in the arrest of 63 individuals. Officials confirmed that a total of 213 criminal charges were laid as part of the province-wide operation codenamed “Project Time.”
During the investigation, police identified and rescued 51 child victims of online sexual exploitation, connecting them with necessary support services. A total of 264 criminal investigations were carried out as part of the initiative.
Investigating officers revealed that two of those arrested held positions of trust and authority in the community, while eight were repeat offenders with prior involvement in similar crimes. Authorities seized 814 electronic devices during the operation. Furthermore, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated that 154 investigations related to online child sexual exploitation remain ongoing.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique emphasized that law enforcement will continue identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of these crimes to ensure children remain safe online and within their communities.
The operation was conducted under the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy in collaboration with 25 Ontario police services. The Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, and children and family services agencies also participated in the initiative.
Detective Staff Sergeant Tara Clarke, who led the investigation, attributed the success of the operation to the coordinated efforts of the participating agencies.
Meanwhile, police warned that cases involving online child sexual exploitation and the distribution of abuse material have seen a significant increase in recent years. Authorities urged parents, educators, child welfare organizations, governments, and technology service providers to maintain heightened vigilance to ensure children’s safety online.
The Ontario Provincial Police advised anyone with information regarding online child sexual exploitation to contact local police immediately or submit a tip to Cybertip.ca.
