Alleged pedophile ring busted by police in Quebec, Toronto

Thirteen menare in custody after police busted an alleged online pedophile ring in six Quebec cities and Toronto following a three-year investigation.

Police were executingwarrants Wednesdaymorning at homes in:

• Montreal.
• Quebec City.
• Lvis.
• Trois-Rivires.
• Saint-Eustache.
• Richelieu-Saint-Laurent.
• Toronto.

The men in custody arebetween 27 and 74 years old and could face charges linked to the sexual exploitation of children.

At least one of those detainedwas a manarrested in Toronto.

Sret du Qubecspokeswoman Sgt. Melanie Dumaresq said the man couldappear in court in Montreal alongside the others,either today or Thursday.

She said the arrests targeted private residences,and investigators removedcomputers from the homes.

"Seizures were made in the houses where the suspects live. Computers were seized and their contents will beanalyzed," Dumaresqsaid.

RAW: SQ spokeswoman on Operation Malaise

9 years ago

Duration 0:30

SQ spokeswoman Melanie Dumaresq

3-year investigation

According to Quebec provincial police, which led the investigation, the individuals allegedly exchanged information abouttheir sexual experiences with children in online discussion forums.

They are also alleged to have discussed tactics and locations where sexual contact with children couldtake place.

More than 150 officers from Quebec and Ontariohave beeninvolved in the operation, dubbed Operation Malaise.

Wednesday's arrests follow an investigation that began in 2013 following tips from the public.

Dumaresqsaid the investigation is ongoing and there could be more arrests.