Project “Unity” Identifies Child Pornography Suspects World Wide

Peel Regional Police’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit has identified 73 child pornography suspects in 20 countries world wide.

On November 17, 2009, Peel Regional Police notified the public of the arrest of a 29 year-old Brampton man, for a series of child pornography and sexual assault charges. This matter is currently before the court and is the subject of a publication ban.

Since that arrest, officers initiated a focused investigation into child pornography offences. During a four-month period, investigators, acting in an undercover capacity, were able to identify 73 suspects in 20 countries. The evidence gathered against these suspects will be shared with our partner law-enforcement agencies world-wide and has already lead to some arrests.

To date, two suspects have been arrested; one in Maine, USA, and the other in the Region of Kent, in the United Kingdom. The suspect in the United Kingdom is a registered sex offender. Both suspects will face child pornography charges.

Successful investigations such as project “Unity” are made possible by the global co-operation between police agencies. Peel Regional Police will continue to participate in policing strategies to identify, arrest and charge anyone involved in child pornography.

Peel Regional Police would urge that parents educate themselves to ensure that their children do not become victims of child pornography.

Here are a few tips;

– communicate with your children about their internet activities.
– keep the computer in an open area of your home, never in the child’s bedroom.
– monitor any web cam usage.
– monitor any use on web sites that are specifically designed for young children.
– protect your wireless router signal with a password.

Websites such as

www.bewebaware.ca
www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com
www.internet101.ca
www.cybertip.ca

provide parents with additional preventative tips.

Anyone who has information that could identify a victim of child pornography or information that could identify a person in possession of child pornography is asked to contact their local police service. Members of the public can also contact Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca to report incidents of child pornography.