Editor’s note: This story contains details about child sexual exploitation that may be disturbing or triggering to some readers. Discretion is advised.
RCMP execute two search warrants in Fort McMurray child pornography investigations
FORT McMURRAY — Wood Buffalo RCMP carried out two search warrants in Fort McMurray last week in connection with separate child pornography investigations launched after tips from U.S. authorities.
Police say the warrants were executed on Oct. 29 by the Wood Buffalo RCMP’s Specialized Investigations Unit and General Investigation Section, with assistance from Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams’ internet child exploitation units in northern and southern Alberta.
Both investigations began after the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre received information from the U.S.-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. Social media platforms had reported accounts that uploaded or shared images and videos believed to be child pornography.
Investigators say the materials were confirmed to meet the legal definition of child pornography, and IP addresses associated with the suspect accounts were traced to Fort McMurray.
No arrests or charges have been announced. Police say the investigations are ongoing and no further details will be released due to their sensitive nature.
Staff Sgt. Ryan Adlam, acting Investigative Services officer with Wood Buffalo RCMP, said the case shows how agencies work together to protect children.
“The Wood Buffalo RCMP are committed to working with our partners to keep the internet free of predators and other threats to our children,” Adlam said in a statement.
Anyone with information about child exploitation can file a report at Cybertip.ca.
The update comes as the Supreme Court of Canada last week struck down the mandatory one-year minimum jail sentence for possession of child pornography.
If you or someone you know needs help:
Child exploitation or abuse
- Cybertip.ca – Canada’s national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.
- Kids Help Phone – Call or text 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 for confidential support 24/7.
- Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Resources and support at protectchildren.ca.
- National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (RCMP) – Reports can be made through local police or cybertip.ca.
Mental health or suicide support
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – Call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support 24/7 anywhere in Canada.
- Hope for Wellness Help Line – Mental health support for Indigenous peoples. Call 1-855-242-3310 or connect online at hopeforwellness.ca.
- Talk Suicide Canada – Visit talksuicide.ca or call 1-833-456-4566 (24/7). Text support available at 45645 (evenings).
Family violence or abuse
- ShelterSafe.ca – Directory of women’s shelters across Canada.
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline – Call 1-833-900-1010 for anonymous support.
Local emergency support
- Dial 911 in any emergency.
- Health Link Alberta – Call 811 for non-emergency medical advice and mental health resources.
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