A man from Waterloo and two from Kitchener are among 63 individuals who have been charged as part of a province-wide child exploitation investigation.
It’s all part of Project Time, a joint effort between Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and 25 other police services across Ontario, including Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS).
“As part of Project Time, a coordinated provincial effort to identify and apprehend those who prey on children, investigators targeted individuals making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material,” said OPP in a release.
“Victims were also identified and safeguarded, with appropriate support provided to those impacted.”
Across the combined probe, Project Time resulted in:
- 51 victims identified
- 63 individuals arrested
- 213 charges laid
- 814 electronic devices seized
- 264 criminal investigations conducted
- 154 ongoing investigations
- Two accused were in a position of trust and authority in their communities
- Eight accused were repeat offenders
“Project Time is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement professionals across Ontario and Canada to protect children from exploitation,” said OPP Detective Staff Sergeant Tara Clark, acting as the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy Lead.
“The results of this operation demonstrate the power of collaboration, the strength of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy and the relentless pursuit of those who prey on the most vulnerable.”
Here in Waterloo Region, three people are part of the arrest numbers across Project Time, including one from Waterloo and two from Kitchener.
Among those, the 44-year-old Waterloo man has been charged with 16 total offences, including 11 counts of making child sexual abuse and exploitation material, 2 counts of luring a person under 16, 2 counts of making sexually explicit material available to a child, as well as possession of that material.
The other two individuals include:
- A 50-year-old Kitchener man, charged with possession of and making available child sexual abuse and exploitation material
- A 25-year-old Kitchener man, charged with two counts of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and making that material available
“Members of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy recognize that law enforcement cannot combat these crimes alone,” OPP stated.
“Parents, educators, child advocacy organizations, government and technology providers are essential in keeping children safe.”
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