63 charged in child sexual abuse and exploitation on the Internet
Police partners have noted a significant rise in reports of online child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse material in recent years
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A 33-year-old Redbridge man and a 22-year-old North Bay man are among 63 individuals charged in a provincial investigation in child sexual abuse and exploitation on the Internet. Some of the accused cannot be identified due to a court-issued publication ban.
Project Time, is a joint initiative between the Ontario Provincial Police and 25 police services, including North Bay Police Service.
Officers charged 63 individuals and 51 victims were identified in the fight against online child exploitation.
“As part of Project Time, a coordinated provincial effort to identify and apprehend those who prey on children, investigators targeted individuals making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Victims were also identified and safeguarded, with appropriate support provided to those impacted,” according to OPP.
Project Time results include:
- 51 victims identified
- 63 individuals arrested
- 213 charges laid
- 814 electronic devices seized
- 264 criminal investigations conducted
- 154 ongoing investigations
- Two accused were in a position of trust and authority in their communities
- Eight accused were repeat offenders
“Project Time is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement professionals across Ontario and Canada to protect children from exploitation,” stated OPP Detective Staff Sergeant Tara Clark, Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy Lead. “The results of this operation demonstrate the power of collaboration, the strength of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy and the relentless pursuit of those who prey on the most vulnerable.”
“Members of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy recognize that law enforcement cannot combat these crimes alone. Parents, educators, child advocacy organizations, government and technology providers are essential in keeping children safe,” according to OPP.
The Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy police partners have noted a significant rise in reports of online child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse material in recent years.
To learn how to keep children safe, visit Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
Anyone with any information related to child sexual exploitation should contact their local police or report it to cybertip.ca.
SickKids doctor charged with possessing, accessing child sex abuse material, police say
Dilan Dissanayake, 44, placed on immediate leave, hospital says
A doctor at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children has been charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, police say.
Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto, was arrested and charged Tuesday, Toronto police said in a news release.
Police said in the release that its internet child exploitation unit launched an investigation after a person allegedly used an electronic device to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
In February 2026, police carried out search warrants at the hospital and at a private home, seizing several electronic devices, including a work computer.
"At this time, investigators have found no evidence that the child sexual abuse and exploitation material is connected to his practice as a physician," police said in the release.
Dissanayake was due to appear in a Toronto courtroom on Tuesday. The charges against him have not yet been tested in court.
Hospital 'deeply upset and dismayed' by news
In a statement posted to its website, the hospital said it is "deeply upset and dismayed" by the news and it condemns the behaviour alleged by police. It said the safety and well-being of its patients, families and staff is its highest priority.
"SickKids has not been notified of any risk to patients and families, and the Toronto Police Service has indicated there is no evidence that the charges are connected to Dr. Dissanayake's medical practice," the hospital said in the statement.
Dissanayake was placed on immediate leave once the hospital became aware of the investigation, it said.
The hospital said families of patients who received care from Dissanayake can contact its patient relations team with any concerns.
Ontario's College of Physicians and Surgeons has suspended Dissanayake's medical licence, according to its website.
The site lists the charges against him, as well as the conditions of his release on bail, which include a ban on being alone with any minors aside from his own children.
A spokesperson for the college told The Canadian Press the organization's inquiries committee can impose a suspension on an interim basis without notice when a doctor is likely to "expose patients to harm or injury, and urgent intervention is needed."
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