Fight against online sexual exploitation of children: 23 arrests and over 4 million files seized

Fight against online sexual exploitation of children: 23 arrests and over 4 million files seized

A large-scale police operation in Quebec has resulted in 23 arrests and the seizure of more than 4 million files linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to a statement released in Montreal on May 15th, 2026.

Officers from the Integrated Child Exploitation Enforcement Team (EILP-J), coordinated by the Sûreté du Québec and involving multiple police services including those of Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Longueuil, and Gatineau, carried out the major operation between May 11th and May 14th, 2026. More than 160 officers were deployed.

In total, 23 men aged between 26 and 73 were arrested. They have all appeared in court on charges related to possession, distribution, and access to child sexual abuse material. Seven of them remain in custody.

During 25 searches, computer equipment was seized for analysis. So far, four victims have been identified as part of the investigation.

According to Lieutenant Katherine Guimond, head of the Internet Child Sexual Exploitation Investigation Division at the Sûreté du Québec, the operation is the result of extensive collaboration between police forces across Quebec, strengthening efforts to combat this type of crime province-wide.

Authorities remind the public that any suspected online sexual exploitation of children can be reported at www.cyberaide.ca.