Fifty one related investigations remain ongoing
Thirty-six individuals—eight of them from the Niagara region—have been arrested and charged with a total of 128 offences following a proactive child sexual exploitation investigation across Ontario.
Between March 31 and April 11, 21 police services participated in the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet.
The operation focused on online child luring, with officers employing undercover tactics in chatrooms and social media apps to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit minors.
The accused, all male and ranging in age from 18 to 73, were arrested after initiating contact with officers posing as underage individuals.
In some cases, suspects arrived at pre-arranged meeting locations, bringing items such as snacks or sexual paraphernalia. One of the individuals charged is already listed on the National Sex Offender Registry.
Although the investigation primarily involved decoy interactions, nine real victims were identified. They are now safe and receiving support.
Police say 51 related investigations are still ongoing.