(BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY, ON) – A Bradford West Gwillimbury resident has been charged following a prolonged investigation into online child sexual exploitation.
On December 4, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Bradford, and a quantity of electronic devices was seized following an investigation conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU), with the assistance of OPP Digital Forensics and Nottawasaga OPP.
As a result, Zi Jian Ken LIU, 19 years old of Bradford, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of child pornography, contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code.
The accused was released from custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bradford on January 9, 2025.
“Protecting children from sexual exploitation is paramount. It’s critical that members of law enforcement and the communities they serve work together to educate our children about safe internet practices, while actively working to identify individuals who seek to cause harm. Through collective efforts, we can foster an online environment where children are safe to explore, learn, and grow.” – Detective Staff Sergeant Chris Barkey, OPP CSEU.
Our most fundamental responsibility as a society is to protect our children from predators who exploit their vulnerability. Many child sexual abuse victims are so young that they cannot tell their story. Each time an image or video of their abuse is shared, it causes further harm and re-victimization to the child.
The OPP will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.
If you have information regarding online child exploitation and wish to provide information anonymously, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information can also be reported through cybertip.ca.