Child sexual exploitation: 23 men arrested and 4 million files seized

The West Quebec Post Team

A large-scale police operation conducted in several regions of Quebec between May 11 and 14, 2026—including Outaouais—led this week to the arrest of 23 men suspected of being involved in child pornography cases. Of the 23 men arrested, the Gatineau Police Service (SPVG) confirmed to the Post that two men from Gatineau were also arrested: Claude Léveillé, 48, of Gatineau, and François Paul, 63, of Gatineau.

The SPVG told the Post that as part of the joint operation with the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) to combat the sexual exploitation of children online, SPVG investigators conducted two searches on May 14, 2026, at around 4 am, at a residence in the Bellevue area and at a residence in the Aylmer area of Gatineau. During these operations, SPVG investigators arrested Claude Léveillé and François Paul, who were transported to the Gatineau police station in the Hull area to be interviewed by investigators. Both men appeared in court on May 14, and face charges related to the possession of child pornography.

Charges

According to a press release from the Sûreté du Québec, the suspects, aged 26 to 73, all face charges related to the possession, distribution, and access to child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

Authorities conducted 25 searches and seized more than four million computer files. So far, four victims have been identified, including two minors. More than 160 police officers from six police forces, including the Gatineau Police Service, participated in this coordinated crackdown between May 11 and 14, 2026.

The SQ also noted that the suspects were not necessarily part of an organized network. The investigations were initiated based on various sources, including reports from citizens, tips from social media, and information provided by electronic service providers.

According to the SQ, other investigations are still ongoing, and further arrests may occur in the coming weeks.

The SQ also urges the public to report any instances of online sexual exploitation of minors to the following address: www.cyberaide.ca 

Gatineau Police remind the public to contact them if you have information about a crime at the following number: 819-243-4636, option 5.

It also recommends this link for advice on prevention and protection against sexual exploitation: https://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?p=police/jeunes_securite_adultes_informes/crimes_emergents_conseils/auto_exploitation_sexuelle&ref=sous-navigation