National Overview

The sexual exploitation of children is a global issue that victimizes a vulnerable sector of society. Those involved in this type of activity, which includes child pornography, child prostitution and child sex tourism, are motivated by the need for personal gratification and, increasingly, for profit. The Internet and related technology has greatly enhanced the ability of these individuals to meet their needs. The Internet has also facilitated the formation of international organized groups of child pornography collectors.

In Canada, the most frequently investigated SEOC offences by law enforcement relate to on-line child exploitation, particularly the possession of child pornography distributed via the Internet. A key point is that each image of child pornography represents an instance of sexual and physical abuse against a child. The proliferation of child pornography, or child abuse images, available on the Internet perpetuates this abuse as the images circulate around the globe. Once an image enters cyberspace it is difficult, if not impossible, to retract. In addition to seeking out those who make, distribute and possess child pornography, law enforcement is also working together internationally to identify and locate victims.

The Internet and file-sharing software provide collectors of child pornography, or child abuse images, the requisite tools to amass immense quantities of images. A Manitoba-based investigation in 2001 revealed a collection of over 350 000 images. In May 2003, an Ontario-based investigation uncovered a collection of over 1 000 000 images. In addition to the concern over the dramatic increase in numbers of images uncovered during investigations, law enforcement is also concerned about the increasing level of violence depicted in images as well as the recent increase in images involving infants and toddlers. Technology such as digital and web cameras, and most recently, camera phones, could enable collectors to also become producers of child pornography.

Collectors of child abuse images, are not generally thought of as organized criminals in traditional terms. However, under the current Criminal Code definition of a criminal organization, groups of collectors of three or more who come together, formally or informally, could be considered a criminal organization given their primary objective is to commit an indictable offence. These Criminal Code provisions could be applied to future SEOC investigations, should it be determined that there is a criminal organization component.

A developing trend relates to websites that offer child pornography for a fee. Until only recently, collectors of child pornography exchanged images with like-minded individuals for the sole benefit of enlarging their collections. Investigations over the past two years have demonstrated that this is no longer the case as there is a growing number of Internet sites offering access to child pornography for a fee. There is a concern that the recognized potential for profit could lead to an increase in the production of child pornography as website operators seek out new images for their customers.

Another type of on-line child exploitation is on-line enticement, or luring, where offenders seek out children in Internet chat rooms or other electronic fora for the specific purpose of facilitating sexual offences against a child. Offenders frequently present themselves as children, anxious to befriend the victim and even more anxious to arrange a face-to-face meeting. On-line enticement poses a significant danger to victims who unknowingly engage in on-line conversations with offenders.

Child prostitution is another aspect of SEOC that is of great concern to law enforcement. In Canada, child prostitution is most frequently reported by law enforcement in the larger urban centres. The average age of children involved in this activity is 14, which is also Canada’s age of consent. A limited percentage of child prostitution can be attributed to organized crime, particularly through street gangs. A 2002 Quebec-based police investigation disrupted a long-standing child prostitution ring run by a Quebec City-based street gang. Approximately 30 girls, between the ages of 14 to 17, were controlled by this gang. Recruiters lured girls into the ring with expensive gifts and drugs. Charges against ring operators included being members of a criminal organization.

Child sex tourism involves travel arranged to various international destinations for the express purpose of sexually abusing children. Canada has had legislation in place since 1997, with amendments in 2002, that allows for the prosecution of Canadians who engage in this activity.

SEOC has been a national intelligence issue for CISC’s membership since 1998. At that time, a strategic framework was developed for law enforcement that focused on the issues of child pornography, child prostitution and child sex tourism. Over the past four years, offences relating to on-line child exploitation, particularly the possession and distribution of child pornography, has been recognized as the fastest growing facet of SEOC in this country. Canadian law enforcement continues to work together with government and the community on major initiatives designed to combat this issue in a comprehensive and integrated approach.