B.C. Man Charged in Child Exploitation Case as Five Children Rescued in Philippines
Lucas Tremblay
9/16/20261 min read
A man from New Westminster, B.C., is facing multiple child sexual exploitation charges following an international police investigation that authorities say resulted in five children being rescued in the Philippines.
New Westminster police said their major crime unit began investigating in June 2023 after receiving information from the RCMP’s child exploitation unit.
The investigation was triggered by an online upload of child sexual abuse material that police say was traced through an IP address to a residence in New Westminster.
Police Seized Electronic Devices
Investigators obtained a search warrant for the home and seized multiple electronic devices.
Police said an examination of those devices uncovered indications of alleged child sexual exploitation offences involving victims in the Philippines.
Gerard Saunders has since been charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, making child sexual abuse material and making an arrangement with another person to lure a child.
The allegations against Saunders have not been proven in court.
Five Children Identified and Rescued
Police said investigators were able to identify five children in the Philippines connected to the case.
Authorities subsequently located and rescued the children.
Police also said the children’s mother is facing child sexual exploitation offences in the Philippines in connection with the investigation.
No further details about the children have been released, in order to protect their identities and privacy.
Investigation Began With Online Tip
The case began after the RCMP’s child exploitation unit alerted New Westminster police to an upload of suspected child sexual abuse material.
Investigators then worked to determine where the material originated and traced the IP address associated with the upload to a New Westminster residence.
Police said the investigation later expanded internationally once evidence suggested children outside Canada were involved.
Accused Released Under Conditions
Saunders has been released from custody pending a future court appearance.
Police said he must comply with extensive release conditions while the case proceeds through the courts.
The investigation involved co-operation between Canadian authorities and officials in the Philippines.
Police have not released further details about the international investigation or whether additional charges could follow.
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