64 suspects arrested in ‘significant’ child sexual exploitation investigation across Ontario

More than 60 people were arrested, and over 300 charges have been laid in a province-wide online child exploitation investigation, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced on Wednesday.

Officials revealed the details of Project Aquatic, an investigation that began in February, with authorities identifying and arresting those making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.

Two men from Guelph, one from Kitchener and three from Cambridge are among those who were charged.

A male, 20, and a 55-year-old from Guelph are charged with possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography and distributing child pornography. Both have been released from custody. The 20-year-old’s court date is May 10, and the 55-year-old’s is May 14 in Guelph.

A 31-year-old male from Kitchener is charged with:

• Possession of child pornography x4
• Distribution of child pornography x3
• Making child pornography
• Luring a person under 16
• Making sexually explicit material available to a child x2
• Sexual interference
• Sex assault
• Criminal harassment

The 31-year-old remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 9 in Kitchener.

A 20-year-old, 18-year-old and 56-year-old from Cambridge have been charged by OPP.

The 20-year old is charged with:

• Possession of child pornography

• Make Available child pornography

He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 14 in Kitchener.

The 18-year-old is charged with possession of child pornography. He is not in custody and is schedule in court on May 14 in Kitchener.

The 56-year-old is charged with:

• Make available child pornography
• Breach of probation x3
• Possession of child pornography

He remains in custody and is scheduled in court on May 30 in Kitchener.

During the investigation, it’s alleged that one individual set up a meeting with undercover investigators intending to meet with a child in real life for a sexual purpose. Another person owned approximately 21 terabytes of data containing child sexual abuse material.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said 34 identified victims were provided victim support, and 30 impacted children were safeguarded. The ages of the victims range from infants to teenagers.

Through Project Aquatic, 64 people are facing over 300 combined charges. More than 600 electronic devices were seized. The ages of the accused range from 16 to 89.

“Our collective strength lies in our ongoing commitment to protect children from the impacts of sexual exploitation,” said OPP Commissioner Carrique.

OPP Staff Sergeant Tim Brown called child sexual exploitation a grave crime with lasting effects.

“We’re dedicated to prevention and accountability. We need everyone’s support to combat this community issue. If you see something, report it,” said Brown. “Together, we can create a safer environment for all children, ensuring their well-being and protection.”

With files from CityNews Kitchener’s Natasha O’Neill.