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B.C.’s Integrated Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) says there is a troubling trend in the province as more and more people are sharing child pornography.
The results of a recent project conducted between April 1st and September 30th, 2014 revealed the data. BC ICE investigators tracked known illegal material that was exchanged online through peer-to-peer file sharing. They found 1,228 unique instances in B.C.
“Frankly, even as a police officer who investigates this type of crime, the extent of problem is disturbing,” said Inspector Ed Boettcher, Officer in Charge of BC RCMP Communications. “A single exchange of material where a child was victimized is too many. This many instances over a six month period is tragic.”
This was the first time a project like this was conducted in British Columbia, and it was meant to establish a baseline for reference. As a result, BC ICE investigators cannot say whether the issue is getting worse or better.
“This project established a baseline of what was happening in the province, and we feel that it is important for the public to be aware of the issue,” added Boettcher. “People need to monitor computers in their own homes and businesses. If you suspect that somebody has been using it to download or exchange explicit illegal materials, please contact your local police.”
RCMP says the investigation has led officers to a rough location of where the offences were occurring and police are now pursuing those investigations.
“For those that think they can engage in this type of criminal act and hide, you should know that we have the expertise to find you. You will be held accountable for taking part in these heinous criminal acts,” warned Boettcher.
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