Canadian authorities bust child porn rings
By Paula Newton, CNN
updated 2:39 PM EST, Thu February 2, 2012
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW: At least 22 victims have been identified, police say
- Charges include sexual assault and possessing child pornography
- The victims are receiving treatment, authorities say
- Police expect more arrests in the case
Ottawa (CNN) -- At least 60 people have been charged in connection with one of Canada's largest ever pornography busts, authorities said Thursday.
The arrests came after sweeping raids on alleged child pornography rings throughout Ontario, officials said.
"In all, 60 people have been charged with 213 offenses and we anticipate that there will be several more charged," said Det. Sgt. Frank Goldschmidt of the Ontario Provincial Police.
"Charges included sexual assault, children luring, possession of child pornography, making available child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and accessing child pornography," he added.
At least 22 victims have been identified, authorities said, and the child victims are now in care and are receiving medical and trauma assessments. Police are still trying to identify more victims that may have been abused.
Police also said they confiscated large amount of money, drugs and weapons while carrying out search warrants on 76 properties throughout Ontario in various urban and rural locations.
Authorities say the bust is a warning to criminals that they cannot hide these crimes and will be stopped when trying to harm children.
Three of those arrested are under the age of 18.
Dozens charged in Canada child porn bust
The investigation involved as many as 20 police forces in the region.
Authorities admit the scope of child pornography on the Internet continues to pose a challenge.
"Keeping on top of the types of storage and transmission devices that these criminals use is also a never-ending challenge. We continue to make best possible use of the tools and limited resources we have to hunt down child predators and finally put them out of business," said Inspector Scott Taylor of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Part of complete coverage on
updated 7:50 PM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
It's an outside-the-box solution, says Clyde Prestowitz, but the German government can save Greece by reissuing its beloved deutsche mark.
updated 5:33 AM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Images of slaughter in the Syrian town of Houla provoked outrage around the world, but sometimes outrage isn't enough to spur action, says Tim Lister.
updated 3:56 PM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Alleged poison attacks against students in Afghanistan show the fragility of the country's transition, says Gayle Lemmon.
updated 5:27 AM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Airport dining doesn't have to be terminal, as a new wave of eateries elevates cuisine above the level of greasy burgers and wilting sushi.
updated 7:10 PM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Andrew Keen says our self esteem is determined by our use of social media -- so let's embrace tech which lets data degenerate over time.
updated 7:27 AM EDT, Thu May 31, 2012
Republican Graham Smith argues why the UK monarchy should be consigned to the history books.
CNN's Richard Quest rails against the censorious ratings warnings placed on inflight movies.
updated 12:06 PM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Queen Elizabeth was criticized for being aloof after Princess Diana's death in 1997. But one royal insider says that wasn't the case.
updated 5:45 AM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Businessman Christian Stadil believes firms must care about more than money and that corporate social responsibility helps attract talented workers.
updated 11:08 AM EDT, Thu May 31, 2012
It's hard being a female busineswoman in a country where women need permission to work or travel. But some try.
updated 3:31 AM EDT, Mon May 28, 2012
How law enforcement agencies are readying themselves for this month's Euro 2012 soccer tournament.
updated 8:53 AM EDT, Thu May 31, 2012
Adoptions from Africa have surged three-fold in eight years -- but campaigners fear that children from the continent are becoming commodities.
updated 7:17 AM EDT, Thu May 31, 2012
He's been running all his life, running for freedom, running for peace. Now Reza Baluchi is heading for Mt. Everest by running across the Middle East.
updated 7:13 AM EDT, Tue May 29, 2012
An old meatpacking plant in Chicago is being transformed into an eco farm, which its founders say will produce food sustainably with zero waste.
Most popular stories right now
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|