(Credit: Ontario Provincial Police) Banner including all organizations involved in the project.
Two Londoners have been charged as a part of Project Aquatic, an Ontario-wide investigation into child exploitation and abuse.
As a result, 607 electronic devices were seized, 348 charges were laid, 64 people were charged, 34 victims were identified, and 30 children were safeguarded.
One individual charged possessed approximately 21 terabytes of child exploitation material.
“Our collective strength lies in our ongoing commitment to protect children from the impacts of sexual exploitation,” says OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Through the Provincial ICE Strategy, we stand together in supporting victims, preventing victimization, and dismantling predatory activities. We are unrelenting in our mission to safeguard children and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The OPP-led Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet includes the Ontario Provincial Police Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, 26 municipal police forces including London, the Ministry of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
(Credit: Ontario Provincial Police) Picture detailing investigations ran during the project and before.
“Child sexual exploitation is a grave crime with lasting effects. We’re dedicated to prevention and accountability,” says 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.”
Police members acknowledged the significant contributions of parents, educators, child advocacy organizations, government, and technology providers in combating this issue.
“When a child is being sexually abused, technology is likely being used to facilitate the ongoing harm,” says Associate Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection Signy Arnason. “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. Our agency sends 20,000+ removal notices to hosting providers every day.”
If you have a tip, you can report it to your local police or cybertip.ca
Provincial ICE Strategy members urge community members to stay vigilant and educate themselves to prevent child exploitation. You can learn more at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection or cybertip.ca.
If you know anyone who is or was a victim of child exploitation, Victim Services of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, and Akwesasne provide support and education.
