OPP arrest a suspect as part of Project Series child exploitation investigation. (OPP/You Tube)
Police have taken 33 people into custody and charged them with a total of 136 criminal offenses as part of Project Series, an organized initiative aimed at combatting online child sexual exploitation.
Investigators report that from February 9 to 13, 23 police services, including those from Barrie, collaborated with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU) to conduct online investigations. They accessed chatrooms and social media platforms to identify individuals trying to exploit children.
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Among those arrested were two residents from Barrie.
A 37-year-old faces four charges, which include two counts of luring someone under the age of 16 and one count related to creating child sexual abuse and exploitation material, along with a provincial offense.
The other suspect is described by police as an adult male who has been charged with two counts involving making agreements or arrangements to commit a sexual offense against a child.
Highlights from the operation:
All accused are male, aged 16 to 67. Two repeat offenders were identified. Six child victims were identified, provided with support, and are safe. One accused arrived at a meeting location carrying items intended for committing offenses, including personal lubricants. 36 investigations remain ongoing.
“These findings underscore the serious risk posed to children in our communities, including the potential for harm when offenders seek to transition from online communication to in-person contact,” OPP said in a news release.
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