Project STEEL results in the apprehension of 106 individuals involved in online

Project STEEL results in the apprehension of 106 individuals involved in online child sexual exploitation.
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The National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC) of the RCMP, in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), executed a highly effective operation addressing online child sexual exploitation in Canada.

Designated as Project STEEL, this comprehensive and coordinated initiative was spearheaded by the OPP, SQ, and the NCECC. It involved the participation of 63 law enforcement agencies from across the country, successfully focusing on the issue of online child sexual exploitation. The operation was conducted from February 17 to 28, 2025.

As a result of this operation, 106 individuals have been apprehended, and 37 children have been protected. Additionally, a total of 1,132 electronic devices were confiscated.

The current charges include:

- Possession of child pornography
- Distribution of child pornography
- Accessing child pornography
- Creation of child pornography
- Luring a minor under the age of 16
- Luring a minor under the age of 18
- Invitation to engage in sexual touching
- Sexual interference
- Publication of an intimate image without consent
- Agreement or arrangement for a sexual offense against a child
- Making sexually explicit material accessible to a child
- Additional charges related to:
  - Sexual assault
  - Possession of counterfeit currency
  - Non-compliance with a release order
  - Non-compliance with a probation order
  - Indecent acts
  - Criminal harassment
  - Identity theft
  - Administering a harmful substance
  - Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  - Careless use of a firearm, among others.

Investigations are ongoing.

Our most effective approach to combat online child sexual exploitation is through collaboration. Individual law enforcement agencies cannot tackle these crimes in isolation. This is why we collaborate on initiatives such as Project STEEL to protect children throughout Canada from these abhorrent acts. These investigations are particularly challenging for our police personnel, as they are required to review sensitive and graphic materials. I extend my gratitude to them for their resilience and steadfast commitment. Their primary focus is to protect children and apprehend those who perpetrate these atrocious crimes.

Mike Duheme 
Commissioner, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

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