Arrests made in child sexual exploitation investigations: Kelowna RCMP

Two separate child sexual exploitation investigations have resulted in the arrest of two suspects by the Kelowna RCMP’s Integrated Child Exploitation.

Both individuals were taken into custody while search warrants were being executed in late February, according to a release from the Kelowna RCMP.  They were both later released.

After the devices that were seized undergo a forensic search, charge requests will be sent to the B.C. Prosecution Service.

"The two individuals taken into custody were both Kelowna residents," RCMP Cpl. James Jenkins said in an email. "At this time, they have not been charged. Their electronic devices are being forensically examined, and a comprehensive report to Crown counsel will follow. One individual arrested was a youth, and this serves as a reminder for parents to involve themselves in learning their teen's online activity."

RCMP have recommended a couple of online resources for more information: Canadian Centre for Child Protection and Children of The Street.

“Parents are encouraged to ask the tough questions about what their kids are doing online and understand which applications they’re using and what exactly they’re using them for," Jenkins said in a news release. "Whether your child or teen is being extorted into sending explicit images of themselves, or they’re actively seeking out Child Sexual Abuse Material, engaging with your children about Internet safety should be a topic of conversation. Parents play an integral part in preventing aspects of this crime.”

If you have information about a child being exploited for a sexual purpose, visit www.cybertip.ca or call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.

— This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. March 9, to include more information from RCMP.

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