ICE assists Canadian officials with arrest of 80 child predators, identification of 20 victims

TORONTO, Canada – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Toronto was among numerous law enforcement agencies that came together this week across Canada for a massive, coordinated investigation led by the Ontario Provincial Police to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation on the Internet.    

At a media conference in Toronto on Thursday, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Chief Superintendent Don Bell announced the execution of 174 search warrants, resulting in 274 charges against 80 individuals for various sexual assault and child pornography charges. In addition, 20 victims were identified during the investigations and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance. Drug and weapons-related charges were also laid.

Coordinated investigations were also conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, South Simcoe Police Service, Stratford Police Service, St. Thomas Police, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Canadian Forces National Investigation Service. Representatives of BOOST Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP) were on hand to advocate for more services for identified victims of exploitation and to enhance awareness to prevent further harm and victimization.

Recognizing similarities with human trafficking investigations during this project, police were also able to ensure the safety of nine people who had been working in the sex trade as a minor or against their will, including 14, 15, and 16-year-olds.

Police displayed a video showing 2,038 unique IP addresses that were broadcasting as either a "download candidate" for suspected child pornography or where the user was present on a known child exploitation website. These IP addresses were observed over the last 90 days in Ontario. 

The investigation continues and additional arrests are pending.

“The most fundamental responsibility of any society is to protect its children.  Every child has the right to be nurtured and the right to be safe. The Provincial Strategy demonstrates the success that police services worldwide can achieve when working together and sharing our best practices and information,” said Chief Superintendent Bell, Commander of OPP Investigation and Support Bureau.

HSI support for this operation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 14,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.