The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) has charged an Edmonton man with child pornography charges in relation to Operation Stream, an international operation against child sexual exploitation.
ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit received information in January from the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC), as well as Europol and the Bavarian State Criminal Police in Germany, that an Edmonton man was accessing an online streaming service known to be one of the largest platforms for sharing child sexual abuse material in the world.
On March 10, 2025, ICE executed a search warrant at a home in southeast Edmonton with help from the Edmonton Police Service.
Various electronic devices were seized, including a smartphone and desktop computer. A full forensic analysis is ongoing.
“While many people believe they can hide in these corners of the dark web, the online world is not anonymous. Law enforcement continues to adapt to the everchanging landscape of online criminal behavior. Successes like this are fueled by dedicated investigators working with partners around the world to protect the children that have been victimized in the production of this material,” said Det. Erik Bjarnason, ALERT ICE.
ALERT has charged the 36-year-old with the following:
- possess child pornography;
- access child pornography; and
- distribute child pornography.
The 36-year-old was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions and is awaiting his next scheduled court date on April 14, 2025.
More than 35 countries participated in the operation, which led to the identification of nearly 1,400 suspects.
In total, 79 suspects were arrested. Through the investigation, German and Dutch authorities were able to seize the online site. The investigation remains ongoing.
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