Undercover operation by Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy highlights growing digital threats to children
ORILLIA, ON – June 6, 2025 — A major province-wide investigation has led to the arrest of 36 individuals and the laying of 128 criminal charges related to the online luring and exploitation of children, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced today.
The investigation, which ran from March 31 to April 11, 2025, was part of a targeted operation by the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, a coordinated effort involving 21 police services across Ontario.
Undercover officers posed as minors in online chat rooms and social media platforms to intercept and arrest individuals attempting to engage in sexually explicit communication or acts with children. While the operation was designed as a proactive “luring” sting, nine real child victims were identified in the process. All have since been provided support and are now safe.
Key Highlights:
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All suspects are male, ranging in age from 18 to 73.
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One suspect was already listed on the National Sex Offender Registry.
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Some suspects arrived at meeting locations with snacks or sexual paraphernalia, including condoms and lubricant.
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51 ongoing investigations remain active as a result of the operation.
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Due to publication bans, the identities of some accused individuals cannot be released publicly.
The Thunder Bay Police Service was among the 26 participating police agencies, highlighting the ongoing risk of exploitation even in more remote or northern communities.
“Online Safety Cannot Be an Afterthought” – Law Enforcement Urges Parents
Detective Staff Sergeant Tim Brown of the OPP delivered a stark warning to parents and guardians:
“These results highlight a sobering reality: predators can easily reach children in online spaces. Just as you wouldn’t leave your child alone in a city, don’t let them navigate the online world alone.”
Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns commended the coordinated effort:
“This investigation is a testament to the tireless work and collaboration of police services across Ontario. The protection of vulnerable children remains our top priority.”
Ongoing Risk and the Rise in Digital Exploitation
Law enforcement officials warn that cases of online child sexual exploitation and abuse material have risen dramatically in recent years. The rise in digital connectivity, including anonymous platforms, has made it easier for offenders to target youth.
The public is urged to educate themselves about these risks through resources provided by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and to report suspicious behaviour through cybertip.ca or local law enforcement.
ADDENDUM OF CHARGED PERSONS – LURING PROJECT
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7 charges |
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date is scheduled for June 4, 2025, in London. |
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JOHNATHAN AHLSTEDT 4 charges |
39 |
West Lincoln, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 20, 2025, in St. Catharines. |
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BRIAN BERTHELOT 1 charge |
61 |
Niagara Falls, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 6, 2025, in St. Catharines. |
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MOHAMMAD ALI 3 charges |
38 |
Niagara Falls, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for July 9, 2025, in St. Catharines. |
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MEET JOSHI 3 charges |
22 |
Niagara Falls, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 27, 2025, in St. Catharines. |
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SHIVAM PURI 3 charges |
27 |
Niagara Falls, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 17, 2025, in St. Catharines. |
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FERHAT OZCELIK 3 charges |
31 |
Niagara Falls, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 17, 2025, in St. Catharines. |
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REUBEN POOTHRA 3 charges |
26 |
Niagara Falls, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for |
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June 24, 2025, in St. Catharines. |
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LORAN LAZAR 7 charges |
26 |
Mississauga, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for August 6, 2025, in Toronto. |
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CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS 4 charges |
61 |
Toronto, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for July 18, 2025, in Toronto. |
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JUNYU WANG 1 charge |
31 |
Toronto, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for August 8, 2025, in Toronto. |
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ABDULHAKEEM MOHAMMED 1 charge |
29 |
Toronto, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 27, 2025, in Toronto. |
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JAHANZAIB IFTIKHAR 1 charge |
36 |
Toronto, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for August 14, 2025, in Toronto. |
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DAVID DAI 1 charge |
20 |
Toronto, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 4, 2025, in Toronto. |
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JAHANGIR MOHAMMED 1 charge |
41 |
Toronto, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for |
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August 14, 2025, in Toronto. |
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MICHAEL PARMITER 7 charges |
41 |
Abottsford, BC |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 5, 2025, in Toronto. |
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MATANEL GLOZSHTEIN 4 charges |
25 |
Vaughan, ON |
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Released from custody. To be spoken to August 19, 2025. |
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KANAV BHATIA 8 charges |
25 |
Vaughan, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is not yet scheduled. |
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SHIVA MOHAN 2 charges |
38 |
Toronto, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for August 21, 2025, in Toronto. |
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ADULT MALE 1 charge |
56 |
Belleville, ON |
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Released custody. Next court date is not scheduled. |
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ADULT MALE 4 charges |
55 |
Barrie, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 10, 2025, in Barrie. |
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ADULT MALE 4 charges |
38 |
Chatham, ON |
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Next court date is scheduled for June 11, 2025, in Chatham. |
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ADULT MALE 2 charges |
45 |
Hensall, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 16, 2025, in Goderich. |
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ADULT MALE 7 charges |
56 |
Ayton, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for August 6, 2025, in Walkerton. |
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ADULT MALE 4 charges |
53 |
St. Catharines, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 24, 2025, in St. Catharines. |
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ADULT MALE 3 charges |
37 |
Sudbury, ON |
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Remanded into custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 5, 2025, in Sudbury. |
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ADULT MALE 6 charges |
63 |
Burlington, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 4, 2025, in Milton. |
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ADULT MALE 3 charges |
18 |
Hamilton, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for July 29, 2025, in Hamilton. |
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ADULT MALE 4 charges |
32 |
Kitchener, ON |
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Released from custody. Next court date is scheduled for June 26, 2025, in Kitchener. |
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ADULT MALE |
42 |
Brampton, ON |
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Released from custody. To be |
About the Provincial Strategy
The Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy (Provincial ICE Strategy) is a collaborative task force involving:
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Ontario Provincial Police Child Sexual Exploitation Unit
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26 municipal police services
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Ministry of the Attorney General
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Ministry of the Solicitor General
This coordinated approach ensures a consistent and regionally aware response to digital child exploitation across Ontario, from major cities to rural and northern communities.
Full List of Participating Agencies:
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Barrie, Belleville, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, Durham, Greater Sudbury, Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Niagara, North Bay, Ottawa, Peel, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Toronto, Waterloo, Windsor, Woodstock, York, and the OPP.
If you have any information regarding the sexual exploitation of children, please contact your local police service or file a report through cybertip.ca.
