The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) says police conducted multiple searches at the locations used by the suspects and seized computer equipment for analysis.
The main offenses charged with those arrested are luring, colluding and arranging to commit a sex offense against a child, providing a child with access to sexually explicit material, sexual assault, solicitation of sexual touching, sexual assault and possession, Distribution and production of child pornography.
275 police officers were mobilized
The investigations began in autumn 2022. It was carried out by the Integrated Team to Combat Child Pornography, established in October 2021.
The Montreal, Quebec, Longueuil, Laval and Gatineau Metropolitan Police Forces were involved. A total of more than 275 police officers were mobilized, said Sergeant Audrey-Anne Bilodeau, spokeswoman for the Surete du Québec.
“There were no more arrests in one region than in the others. It shows that child pornography can be anywhere. »
— A quote from Audrey-Anne Bilodeau, spokeswoman for the Sûreté du Québec
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Very proud of the EILPJ’s work this morning. 31 arrests related to child pornography, that’s not nothing! The joint initiatives and the funds made available are bearing fruit. Congratulations to all teams involved and keep up the good work! https://t.co/vn6Iv7W8d1
– Francois Bonnardel (@fbonnardelCAQ) January 27, 2023
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search for victims
Among the defendants is Pierre Bouchard, a government official residing in Quebec. The 58-year-old appeared on Wednesday but prosecutors have requested that he remain in custody. He is expected in court for his bail hearing on Friday.
The Service de Police de la Ville de Québec (SPVQ) believes he may have had other victims. He is asking the public for help in the search. According to our information, he used the pseudonym “GrandmecQC” on social networks and identified himself under his real name, we can read in the SPVQ press release.
Another person, Dave Grondin, was arrested at Thetford Mines. He appeared at the courthouse earlier this week and remains at large. He will be back in court on March 31.
Christian Jean was arrested in Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs. The police also took Even Binet to the Saint-Côme-Linière post.