In March 2022, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit commenced an investigation into the online sexual exploitation of a child. The individual under investigation was accessing child sexual exploitation material on the internet and then sharing it on a popular social media platform.
On Thursday May 12th, 2022, 20-year-old Jithin GEORGE of St. Catharines, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following offences:
One Count of Make Child Pornography Available contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code. One Count of Possession of Child Pornography contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code. One Count of Access Child Pornography contrary to section 163.1(4.1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
JITHIN GEORGE has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Thursday May 12th, 2022 by way of video at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report crimes anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with numerous Ontario Police Services. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Niagara Regional Police Service, or online at www.cybertip.ca. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website.
2022-20879