OPP say a Walkerton resident is facing child pornography charges following an online child sexual exploitation investigation.
According to police, on Aug. 24, a search warrant was executed at a home in Walkerton where members of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Digital Forensics Unit and South Bruce Detachment seized a number of electronic devices.
As a result of the investigation, OPP say 27-year-old Anish S. Ranadive was arrested and charged with two counts of possessing of child pornography and making child pornography available.
Ranadive is set to appear in court today for a bail hearing.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Police are requesting anyone with information on this investigation or who may have related details on internet child exploitation to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Police say, “children are out most valuable and precious members of society. Many victims of child sexual abuse are so young that they cannot tell their story. Every time an image or video depicting that abuse is shared, that child is re-victimized.”
OPP are reminding parents to take a proactive approach in helping protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children about internet safety. More details can be found on Cybertip.ca.
Those wanting to help are encouraged to visit the ProtectChildren website and download the “Child Sexual Abuse – It Is Your Business” document from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
