Hundreds of charges filed as part of OPP investigation into child sexual abuse

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced Wednesday what the service described as “astonishing findings” from a series of investigations into online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The multi-jurisdictional investigation involved 27 police departments from across the province, including in the Greater Toronto Area.

Det. Tim Brown told reporters Wednesday that the investigation was focused on individuals who create, access and distribute child sexual abuse material.

There are now 64 people across Ontario facing a total of 348 charges, including 34 child victims. Police said they seized 607 digital devices as part of the investigation.

“Child sexual exploitation is a serious crime with lasting consequences,” Brown said in a statement. “We are committed to prevention and accountability. We need everyone’s support to combat this community problem.”

In a news release issued Wednesday, police said that during the course of the investigation, a person arranged a meeting with undercover officers because they thought they were meeting with a child.

In another case, police found an individual in possession of approximately 21 terabytes of data, including child sexual abuse material.

A list of those charged in connection with the case provided by police includes people from across the province and one man from Alberta.

The defendants range in age – the youngest is a 16-year-old from Windsor charged with possessing, accessing and making available child pornography, while the oldest is an 89-year-old man from Toronto charged with possessing child pornography.