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CTV News
an hour ago
- General
- CTV News
Sudburian among dozens arrested in child exploitation investigation
A total of 36 people from across Ontario have been charged with 128 offences following a major undercover investigation by provincial and 26 local police forces. Among those arrested was a 37-year-old man from Greater Sudbury who was charged with luring a person under age 16 and two counts of failing to comply with a prohibition order. He was still in custody Thursday in Sudbury and was expected to make his first court appearance. Went uncover 'Twenty-one police services from the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet took part in the luring investigation from March 31 to April 11,' police said in a news release. 'Investigators utilized undercover techniques to access online chatrooms and social media applications in order to identify, locate and arrest persons looking to sexually exploit children.' All of those charged are men between the ages of 18 and 73, including one who was already on the national sex offender registry. Although undercover officers posed as children online, nine actual victims were identified during the investigation. 'They have been provided support and are safe,' police said. Police said one suspect showed up to an arranged meeting with snacks, while another had sexual aids. Another 51 investigations are ongoing, police added. 'These results highlight a sobering reality: predators can easily reach children in online spaces,' OPP Det. Staff Sgt. Tim Brown said in the news release. 'We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to talk to your children about staying safe online. Just as you wouldn't leave your child alone in a city, don't let them navigate the online world alone.' There has been a significant rise in reports of online child exploitation, police added.
Global News
3 hours ago
- Global News
12-day undercover online child luring investigation leads to 36 arrests: OPP
Ontario Provincial Police said it only took officers 12 days to catch dozens of people during a recent child sexual exploitation investigation. 'These results highlight a sobering reality: predators can easily reach children in online spaces,' OPP Det. Staff Sgt. Tim Brown said in a release. 'We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to talk to your children about staying safe online. Just as you wouldn't leave your child alone in a city, don't let them navigate the online world alone.' On Thursday, police announced that they had arrested 36 men from across the province in connection with a proactive investigation that lasted from March 31 to April 11. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy They said officers used undercover techniques in online chat rooms and on social media in their efforts to find people looking to sexually exploit children. Story continues below advertisement OPP said that while the officers were posing as children online and waiting for offenders to make contact, they were also able to identify nine victims who are now receiving support and are safe. Police said one of the men arrived for a meeting with snacks and sexual paraphernalia (lubricant and condoms) in hand. The 36 accused range in age from 18 to 73 and hail from all corners of the province, as well as one from Abbotsford, B.C., with six residing in Toronto and six others in Niagara Falls. In addition to the 36 arrests, which resulted in 128 charges, police say another 51 investigations are currently underway. 'We commend the outstanding efforts of our Provincial Strategy members from across the province whose dedication led to the success of this investigation and the protection of vulnerable children,' OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns stated. 'Their tireless work is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding youth from online predators.'
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Major Hamilton intersection closed after crash
The crash was reported to emergency services around 1.20pm Tuesday. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown A major Hamilton intersection is closed after a crash involving three vehicles near Cobham Drive Bridge this afternoon. The crash was reported to emergency services around 1.20pm Tuesday. Cobham Drive is closed at Normandy Avenue heading east and at Grey Street heading west. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and expect delays.
Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
'After-hours assaults continue to happen' at hospital
By Tim Brown of RNZ The attack on a student midwife outside Christchurch Hospital's birthing unit has highlighted concerns that have been raised for more than a decade, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation says. The staff member was assaulted on the way to their car after leaving work at the Antigua Street unit in the central city, although the assault did not happen on hospital grounds. Te Whatu Ora said staff safety was critical to the organisation, and the College of Midwives backed the efforts of Health New Zealand. Hospital security boosted after attack But NZNO Christchurch delegate Al Dietschin said the latest attack highlighted the fact that not nearly enough was being done to prevent assaults occurring. "How many incidents do we need to have before the employer acts in the interest of staff in accordance with the Health and Safety Employment Act?" Dietschin said. "They have to provide a safe work environment. They always say health and safety of staff is important, but these after-hours assaults continue to happen." The Tū Waka Waipapa parking building opposite the hospital costs about $25 a day, which was unaffordable for most workers, he said. Following previous assaults, the hospital now offered a minibus shuttle between 9pm and 1am, but staff often had to wait too long for it to arrive, Dietschin said. "Staff are reportedly walking to their cars because they're made to wait 30 minutes or more after working the late shift for the shuttle to arrive. Staff don't feel safe walking to cars after their shift or early morning in the dark, but they're sometimes forced to." Community midwives were now also limited to parking for five hours at the emergency department, which was shocking, Dietschin said. "This used to be available for unlimited time. Now they're forced to ask core staff to relieve them in the middle of a patient's labour so they don't get fined. That's not good for the safety of their patients," he said. "Staff only want safe after-hours parking close to hospital, and we don't want to break the bank for this to happen." College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy said Health New Zealand was doing all it could to ensure the safety of staff. "I understand that the facility does have security staff available to escort staff back to their cars, there's absolutely that provision in place," she said. "I think sometimes people might have to wait a little bit to get access to that and people might feel they don't want to do that. But I understand the facility does everything it can to support the safety of its staff and does make that service available already, and in response to this attack... they've stepped up even more support and security to prevent any potential risks." The attack highlighted the risks women faced in Aotearoa, Eddy said. "It's a reflection sadly that we know females are at risk of violence and dark places around hospitals are risky places. That's just the reality of being a female, sadly, in this country. This facility is really aware of that and has done and is continuing to do everything it can to support the safety of everybody who works in those facilities," she said. An email was circulated to staff outlining what had happened, although Health New Zealand would not share details with RNZ because it was not "public information". Waitaha Canterbury director of operations Hamish Brown said the staffer involved was being "well supported". "As a precaution we have increased security measures in this part of the campus to ensure staff, and others who work here, get to their vehicles safely at night," he said. "We continue to remind staff, and others, to take appropriate safety precautions when they leave the hospital campus at night. "At Health NZ, the safety and well-being of our staff, and other workers, is a critical part of delivering quality health care to New Zealanders. We take violence and aggression seriously and our people should expect to come to work and be safe. We encourage them to report all incidents of abuse and assault." Police said the attack did not appear to have been reported to them. "We encourage anyone who is the victim of an assault to make a report online or by calling 105 so police can make enquiries," a spokesperson said.
Otago Daily Times
19-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Coroner finds Canterbury priest's generous nature exploited
By Tim Brown of RNZ Warning: This story discusses suicide A Canterbury Catholic priest took his own life after 50 years in the clergy as his mental health deteriorated and financial pressure mounted. Father Geoff Gray was found by a concerned neighbour on the grounds of the Akaroa parish on November 29 last year. In findings released today, Coroner Ian Telford said there were indications Father Geoff was the victim of financial abuse. "Towards the end of his life, Father Geoff's mental health deteriorated markedly - a situation directly exacerbated by mounting financial pressures and other uncertainties," the coroner said. "The evidence indicates that this largely arose due to the exploitation of his generous and trusting nature. Unfortunately, my jurisdiction does not extend to the further investigation and determination of this situation. Nevertheless, it is a matter of some concern, and begs the attention of all New Zealanders. "Several people close to Father Geoff were becoming increasingly concerned that some indicators of financial abuse were present in his life. His bank had even taken the step of freezing his accounts, fearing he was being scammed. At the same time, those around Father Geoff were alert to the issues and doing everything they could to caution and support him. Nothing in these findings is intended as criticism and these situations are invariably challenging, particularly when supporting capable adults. In short, it is often difficult to know what to do for the best. "However, Father Geoff's case serves to illustrate the potentially devastating consequences that can flow in these circumstances. To that end, I urge anyone concerned that an older person may be experiencing any form of abuse to seek help." Father Geoff was ordained in June 1972 at Timaru's Sacred Heart Basilica. He served at many parishes throughout New Zealand and overseas, including as a priest in the Society of St James Apostle in Bolivia between 1982 to 1992 and again from 1997 to 2001. "Father Geoff developed and maintained a strong connection to the area and established family-like relationships with local people," Telford said. "Several witnesses to my inquiry refer to Father Geoff's 'adoption' of a young adult from Bolivia, with whom he maintained contact and provided financial support. While the precise details of this relationship remain unclear, it was most likely an informal and supportive arrangement, rather than a legal adoption. "It is evident that Father Geoff sent money to various people, including the young adult in Bolivia described above - to assist with education and other expenses. Around the time of his death, the requests for money became increasingly regular, and this caused Father Geoff significant stress." Police inquiries following Father Geoff's death uncovered a briefcase with a large amount of documentation recording overseas financial transactions to several people in Bolivia and the United States. A handwritten note with numerous transactions recorded a total of $40,350 from 2023 to 2024, the coroner said. "An email message was photographed which has been loosely translated by counsel assisting my inquiry. In very broad summary, this is an email from Father Geoff promising to pay the debt of two overseas individuals," Telford said. "As part of my inquiry, I directed the filing of Father Geoff's bank records, which showed that he was sending considerable sums of money to various people overseas. Although it is difficult to decipher exactly who the recipients of this money were, at least $40,000 was transferred overseas between March 2024 and Father Geoff's death." Father Geoff had been intending to retire to Christchurch. He had a history of mental health issues dating back to 2008 and was managing anxiety and sleep problems through medication. He saw his GP, Dr Kris Sargent, on 2 September 2024 and reported he was "stressed and suffering from increased panic and low mood". "He told Dr Sargent that he had been sending a lot of money to his people in Bolivia, including his 'adoptive son' who was 'asking for more and more money from Father Geoff, ostensibly related to educational expenses and then later regarding a car needing to be repaired'. This was causing Father Geoff significant financial and personal stress and Dr Sargent told him that this all sounded suspicious," the coroner said. "Around the end of October 2024, a member of Father Geoff's family contacted his diocesan bishop, Bishop [Michael] Gielen, with concerns that Father Geoff was 'not himself'. Bishop Gielen promptly met with Father Geoff on 31 October 2024. Father Geoff said he wanted to bring his retirement forward to January 2025. Bishop Gielen encouraged him to retire immediately - a suggestion Father Geoff strongly rejected. "Father Geoff also said he was involved in a 'complicated financial situation with a friend in Bolivia' who needed money for a car. Bishop Gielen asked Father Geoff whether he was being taken advantage of, to which Father Geoff firmly responded he was not, and that he was fully aware of whom he was giving the money to. Bishop Gielen offered to assist him with this financial stress, but Father Geoff said he would manage it himself. Father Geoff also said he wanted to retire in Christchurch as this was close to his family. Bishop Gielen confirmed there was a place available for him and arrangements were made so that he could start moving. "Father Geoff last saw Dr Sargent on 21 November 2024. Father Geoff said his financial difficulties were going to be resolved, and he was expecting a return of a substantial sum of money when the car in Bolivia was sold. They both felt his anxiety would improve when his financial situation resolved. Father Geoff also reported that he was lonely in Akaroa and was looking forward to moving to Christchurch." He attended a clergy retreat on 24 November and appeared agitated. Bishop Gielen and several other priests enquired about his well-being, but Father Geoff did not want to talk. On November 27, he left the retreat abruptly, telling another priest he was "overwhelmed and had forgotten his medication". "He also said that his bank had called him during the retreat, and he needed to go and sort out an issue before going home." While leaving the car park, he collided with a parked car and the building. Later that evening he had difficulty making payment at a supermarket. "Sometime after 6pm Father Geoff's neighbour brought him dinner to his house," Telford said. "He asked her to help him pay an online bill as it was not working for him. His neighbour reported that it appeared he had been locked out of his bank account. He told his neighbour that his bank thought he was being scammed and they had frozen his accounts. He showed her a long handwritten list recording payments he had made to people in Bolivia. He explained why he thought these requests for money were legitimate and he said it was largely to do with a car. He said he could not access any money out of his accounts. "At about 6.30pm, Father Geoff returned to the supermarket, and he used a staff member's phone to contact his bank. It appears he was able to pay for his items with his card." The following day, he went to his usual hairdresser for a hair cut. "His hairdresser said it was unusual for Father Geoff to walk in without an appointment. She added that he did not appear himself and seemed anxious. "He asked her to cut his hair shorter than normal, so he looked tidy. She asked about his health as he had told her at his previous appointment that he was not well. Father Geoff said that his mental health was not good, but he did not go into any more detail. When paying, Father Geoff was shaking to the extent that she had to help him hold his bank card." The following day he was found dead after taking his own life sometime on 28 or 29 November. Where to get help: Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends [ Age Concern] - 0800 65 2 105 Elder Abuse Response Service - 0800 32 668 65 - Text 5032 - email: support@ Police - call 105 or visit the local Police station to make a report or complaint. In an emergency, for anyone in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for the Police. Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Samaritans: 0800 726 666 Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@ Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English. Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254 Healthline: 0800 611 116 Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053 If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
