Record-breaking year; ICE sees surge in online child sexual exploitation

Edmonton… ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit is closing in on another record-breaking year and reaching a dubious milestone for reported instances of online child sexual exploitation.

While the 2024 year-end is still weeks away, ICE has already surpassed 5,000 reports of online child sexual exploitation and is in the process of surpassing the previous annual high set last year. ICE has also experienced an increase in the number of suspects charged and the number of charges laid.

In comparing the current year-to-date totals versus all of 2023, the unit is seeing:

• Intakes are up 35% (from 5,177 vs. 3,813)
• Charges laid are up 31% (from 587 vs. 446)
• People charged are up 13% (from 128 vs. 113)

“The reported instances of online child sexual exploitation is alarming, however, given the volume of incoming cases we can only investigate the most severe instances. Public awareness on the proliferation of this crime is vital to ensure children are prepared for the risks they face while online,” said Acting Insp. Jon Morrison, ALERT ICE.

ICE receives the majority of its file intakes from the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, which acts as a distribution hub for reported instances of child sexual abuse materials being distributed across various digital platforms.

ALERT has an invaluable role in the investigation and intervention of online child sexual exploitation. The unit works diligently to investigate a range of criminal offences involving child pornography, any computer-related child sexual abuse and child luring over the internet. This leads investigators to identifying suspects and making arrests, while simultaneously protecting children.

The increase is a global problem with ICE working with partner agencies across the province, the country and the world. Most recently, ICE has received requests for assistance from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Joint Anti Child Exploitation team in Australia, and the U.K. National Crime Agency.

“As police officers, we recognize the role we play in helping to educate families, even in cases where we see this dangerous online behaviour that has occurred between adults and children. And we see it too often where parents are completely unaware that this is happening in their home. These are important conversations for parents and guardians to have with any child that is online,” said Morrison.

If a child or youth tells you they are being neglected, abused or sexually exploited, it is important to:

• stay calm and react without shock, disbelief, anger, judgement or fear;
• let the child tell you what happened in their own words;
• listen carefully without asking questions;
• reassure them that it is not their fault; and
• acknowledge how they are feeling, which may include feeling scared, angry, embarrassed, hurt or sad.

In an effort to educate and prevent future cases of online exploitation, the ICE unit has also established a community engagement team in 2024. This team travels throughout Alberta, providing education and knowledge in an effort to help children, teens and parents learn about real-life examples of the dangers online.

For resources and help to recognize the signs of online child sexual exploitation, visit the ALERT website.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any online child sexual exploitation situation is asked to contact their local police, or to report their concern anonymously to Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.