73 suspects identified worldwide in child porn investigation
Posted March 30, 2010 1:46 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BRAMPTON, Ont. – A four-month child porn investigation that started with the arrest of a Brampton man has lead to over 73 suspects in 20 countries.
Peel Regional Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Ontario Provincial Police outlined details of the worldwide investigation, Tuesday.
The police forces launched “Project Unity” after arresting the 29-year-old Brampton man on child porn and sexual assault charges in November 2009.
Two suspects have been charged — one in Maine and one in England.
Ten of the suspects are based in the U.S. Other countries involved include Australia, Sweden, Costa Rica and Belgium.
The investigation involved 54 officers from 19 countries.
Investigators said online child pornography is an international crime that knows no borders, making it critical for police agencies globally to work together.
The arrest of a Brampton man was triggered by a tip from police in Edmonton.
Peel police Insp. Bob Strain, who heads up Peel’s child exploitation unit, said this investigation highlights the need for police forces to work together.
“The unity of law enforcement is critical, we have to have a unified plan. The offences know no boundaries, whether it be in Ontario, from Peel Region to other areas in the province of Ontario [and] throughout Canada,” Strain said.
He also said part of the solution is education.
“I encourage parents to educate themselves on the Internet, and supervise and monitor their children’s access, and to ensure their home network is secure from outsiders.”
It is likely this investigation will lead to more suspects.
