Ottawa resident charged after internet child exploitation case

Police laid charges in an internet child exploitation investigation where one person was charged and arrested.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers executed a search warrant at a home in the nation’s capital and took a quantity of electronic devices. This happened July 9 with help from the OPP digital forensics unit and Ottawa police.

In the investigation, officials charged and arrested Sam Porghavami, 38, with:

• Make arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 16 years of age, section 172.2(1) – two counts
• Make child pornography, section 163.1(2)

The accused was released from custody following an appearance in a bail hearing. They are set to appear before a court in Ottawa on July 25.

Police said that child safety and protection are one of their top priorities, especially as the age of those using technology decreases. Officers want to pursue people who use tech to exploit these vulnerable citizens.

“Protecting children from exploitation is not just a responsibility – it is a moral imperative,” Detective Staff Sergeant Chris Barkey, of OPP, said. “Each investigation reflects our strong commitment to safeguarding their right to safety and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.”

Officials encourage parents to help protect children from online sexual exploitation by speaking to them about internet safety.

‘Predators go where children go’

When asked if there are specific apps or places on the internet parents should be wary of, Acting Staff Sgt. Jeffery Del Guidice with OPP said that everywhere is a concern.

“Any social media platform used by children is susceptible to predators. Predators go where children go,” he told CityNews in an email.

Those who prey on children and are charged in connection with cases of exploitation are using smartphones, tablets and computers. However, Del Guidice said it is not uncommon to see predators use other things like video game consoles.

Due to the rise in children online and the ease of technology, OPP said there has been an “exponential rise” in internet exploitation cases.

“Police are getting reports of child sexual exploitation regularly,” Del Guidice said. “In 2024, the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy and the OPP completed 8,912 new investigations and laid 2,133 charges for criminal offences against 558 persons. Members identified 558 victims, allowing them to be rescued from abuse.”

He did point out that estimates from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection state that 93 per cent of child abuse cases are never brought forward to police or child welfare.