A total of 64 people, including five Halton Region residents, face hundreds of charges in relation to a province-wide online child exploitation investigation - numbers the OPP called "staggering."
Investigators announced the results of Project Aquatic today (May 8). Through the initiative:
- 34 victims were identified
- 30 children were safeguarded
- 64 people were charged
- 348 charges were laid
- 607 electronic devices were seized.
"One individual set up a meeting with undercover investigators intending to meet with a child in real life for a sexual purpose," says a news release issued by OPP. "Another individual was in possession of approximately 21 terabytes of data containing child sexual abuse material."
None of the allegations have been tested in court, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Members of the OPP-led Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet took part in child sexual abuse investigations that was both reactive and proactive.
The investigations began on Feb. 19 and ended on Feb. 29, with police identifying and arresting those making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. The identified victims were provided victim support, and impacted children were safeguarded.
"Child sexual exploitation is a grave crime with lasting effects. We're dedicated to prevention and accountability," said OPP Detective Staff Sergeant Tim Brown, Provincial ICE Strategy Lead.
"We need everyone's support to combat this community issue. If you see something, report it. Together, we can create a safer environment for all children, ensuring their well-being and protection."
During a media event to announce the results, a human-sized graphic displayed an iceberg, showing the 129 investigations completed during Project Aquatic and the 8,638 investigations completed in 2023 above the surface.
In addition, 82,082 investigations were completed between 2006 and 2023 by the Provincial ICE Strategy's 27 police services, representing the bottom of the iceberg beneath the water. Within that period, 29,025 charges were laid against 7,493 people. These completed investigations demonstrate the scope of the issue regarding child sexual abuse material, which police say remains a pervasive safety issue that's often unseen by many members of the public.
"When a child is being sexually abused, technology is likely being used to facilitate the ongoing harm. Survivors of child sexual abuse material have repeatedly said how important it is to get the images and videos of their abuse off the internet," said Signy Arnason, associate executive director, Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
"Our agency sends 20,000+ removal notices to hosting providers every day. In addition to the critical efforts of police, you can help protect a victim by reporting to cybertip.ca if you are concerned about someone's online interaction with children."
Local residents can learn about how to keep children safe at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection or cybertip.ca.
Anyone with information regarding instances of child exploitation is asked to contact their local police. Report any instances of online child abuse to police or cybertip.ca. If a child is being harmed, call 9-1-1.
