The Winnipeg Police Service has a busy month laying charges to two men, one being charged for alleged child luring and the other for allegedly distributing child pornography.

Child exploitation rose at extremely high rates in 2020, by 92 per cent. Officers continue to investigate situations in 2021, including in July where two unrelated incidents occurred.

 

Child luring

Police say their Counter Exploitation Unit and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection took to social media, proactively interactive with people they believe were attempting to lure children for sexual purposes. 

"The focus was on a variety of internet sites, social media, and associated applications," the WPS says in a Friday statement.

One man is now facing child luring charges.

The 27-year-old man from Winnipeg was charged by police on Tuesday.

He is facing charges including:

  • Make Child Pornography
  • Make Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Person under 18 years x2
  • Luring a Person Under 18 years of Age by Means of Telecommunication x2

The suspect was released due to the Criminal Code of Canada's regulations. Police say he has strict conditions to limit his access to the internet and anyone under 18.

 

Child porn

A 44-year-old Winnipeg man is released on an Undertaking after police laid numerous child pornography charges against him.

Police say investigations began in April with the Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) as they learnt someone in Winnipeg was downloading child pornography. 

"He was simultaneously making these videos of child pornography available for other unknown people to download."

Police say they did a forensic search, confirming this.

The man is now facing three charges: Possess Child Pornography for the Purpose of Distribution or Sale, Access Child Pornography, and possess Child Pornography.

As the Criminal Code of Canada directs the suspect was released but has numerous conditions linked to the release.

 

Resources

Online exploitation incidents are encouraged to be reported. The WPS is sharing numerous resources to do so.

"The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to protecting youth and those at risk of sexual exploitation in our community."

Any incidents of child pornography can be reported to the WPS's non-emergency line at 204-986-6222 or Cyber Tip.

"Information to guide parents and guardians on how to engage children in this essential conversation about potential luring situations can be found online."

Online sexual exploitation can be reported with Cyber Tip.

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