Five child victims in the Philippines were identified and rescued
A New Westminster man has been charged with multiple child sexual exploitation offences following a lengthy international investigation that resulted in the identification and rescue of five children in the Philippines.
In June 2023, the New Westminster Police Department Major Crime Unit initiated an investigation after receiving information from the Integrated Child Exploitation Unit of the RCMP. The investigation stemmed from an upload of child sexual abuse material from an IP address over a public platform. Investigators traced the activity to a residence in New Westminster.
Investigators identified a suspect, and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence seizing multiple electronic devices for forensic examination. Further information obtained during the investigation indicated potential involvement in child sexual exploitation offences involving victims in the Philippines.
As a result of the investigation, Gerard Saunders, who resided in New Westminster at the time, has been arrested and charged with:
* Possession of child sexual abuse material;
* Making child sexual abuse and exploitation material; and
* Agreeing or making an arrangement with a person to lure a child.
Following the collaborative efforts of the Major Crime Unit and international partners, five child victims in the Philippines were identified and rescued. Authorities in the Philippines also arrested the children’s mother in connection with child sexual exploitation offences.
“The diligence and determination of our detectives ultimately led to the rescue of these children,” said Media Relations Officer Sgt. Andrew Leaver on Tuesday. “This isn’t a victimless crime, and these are real children behind those screens. This investigation highlights the reality of the far-reaching harm that these offences can cause to children, their families, caregivers, and communities”.
Saunders has been released on an undertaking with extensive conditions and is scheduled to appear in court.
