The Toronto Police Service arrested a Toronto man following a joint investigation into online sexual exploitation involving a youth under the age of 16.
According to police, the accused allegedly communicated with a young person through social media and an online gaming platform. Investigators have identified the accused’s Snapchat usernames as SerentiyMorales and Snap Chatplus.
On April 23, members of the Toronto Police Service’s Child Exploitation Section executed a Criminal Code search warrant in the Weston Road and Finch Avenue West area. The investigation was conducted in partnership with RCMP officers from Oyen, Alberta, and focused on a case of online sexual extortion.
As a result, Abdul-Waris Shittu, 24, of Toronto, was arrested and faces several serious charges, including:
- Making Sexually Explicit Images Available to a Person Under 16 Years
- Extortion
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Accessing Child Pornography
- Making Child Pornography Available
Shittu appeared in court on Wednesday, April 23, at the Ontario Court of Justice located at 10 Armoury Street. The hearing took place at 11:00 a.m. in room 106.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be shared with the Toronto Police at 416-808-8500 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) and www.222tips.com.
Authorities are also reminding parents and caregivers of their crucial role in protecting children from online threats. Safety tips for digital devices and internet use are encouraged for children of all ages.
Reports of online sexual exploitation can also be submitted through Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tipline.
This initiative was supported by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Additional resources, including the Talking for Change program offered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, are available to individuals concerned about their behavior or risk related to child sexual exploitation.
