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Content warning: This story contains references to child sexual exploitation and may bring back difficult or unpleasant memories for people affected by abuse or exploitation. Support resources are listed at the end of the story.
EDMONTON — An Alberta man is among 28 suspects arrested in 14 countries following an international investigation into people accused of paying for access to child sexual abuse and exploitation material on the dark web.
The investigation, known as Operation Torch, was led by the Norwegian National Criminal Investigation Service and involved law enforcement agencies in Canada and 13 other countries.
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams says its Internet Child Exploitation unit arrested 40-year-old Rocco Caterina at his home in Stony Plain on May 27.
Caterina has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Police allege Caterina used cryptocurrency to pay for access to a dark web service containing child sexual abuse material.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Norwegian authorities released details of Operation Torch on July 8, saying investigators identified suspects around the world who allegedly used cryptocurrency to obtain access to forums containing child sexual abuse material.
“We have collaborated closely with law enforcement services in 13 other countries in order to coordinate the arrests of the identified users of the forums using this cryptocurrency as the required method of payment,” Norwegian police prosecutor Terje Michelsen said.
Authorities say arrests have been made in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania and Sweden.
Operation Torch remains ongoing.
Caterina was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 15.
Anyone with information about child sexual exploitation or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
ALERT is funded by the Alberta government and brings together specialized law enforcement resources focused on serious and organized crime.
Support resources
People affected by child sexual exploitation or abuse can contact the Canadian Centre for Child Protection at 1-800-532-9135. Reports concerning the online sexual exploitation of children can be made through Cybertip.ca.
The Government of Alberta’s Child Abuse Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-387-5437. People who believe a child is in immediate danger should call 911.
Kids Help Phone provides confidential support to young people across Canada by phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868.
Some Other Solutions provides crisis prevention, intervention and counselling services in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. Its 24-hour crisis line can be reached at 780-743-HELP (4357), and its office can be contacted at 780-743-8605
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