The Manitoba RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) received several complaints from the RCMP National Child Exploitation Crime Centre regarding the possession of child pornography in southeastern Manitoba. As a result of these complaints, on January 22 and January 27, 2021, the ICE Unit, RCMP Digital Forensic Services Unit, and the Steinbach RCMP executed two search warrants in the area. The targets of the search warrants are unrelated, but are both connected to the complaints received by the ICE unit.
As a result of the execution of the search warrant on January 22, 2021, a 49-year-old male from Steinbach was arrested and charged with Possess Child Pornography, Access Child Pornography, and Make Available Child Pornography.
As a result of the execution of the search warrant on January 27, 2021, a 24-year-old male from Stuartburn was arrested and charged with Possess Child Pornography, Access Child Pornography, and Make Available Child Pornography.
Both males were released from custody to attend court in Steinbach in March of 2021. They are both on the following conditions:
- Not to possess, access, or use computers (or related devices) or cell phones
- Not to use or access any Internet service
- Not to access any social media websites or apps
- Not to have any contact or be in the presence of anyone under the age of 18 years.
- Not to attend any park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 18 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, school ground, playground, or community centre.
The RCMP ICE Unit is committed to combatting the online exploitation of children in Manitoba.