A child-pornography investigation in Surrey, B.C. that has led to one arrest and the "rescue" of seven children is part of a broader investigation that spans the globe, police announced Friday.
According to RCMP, police received information on Jan. 22 from an international source alleging that a Surrey man and other individuals from around the world were exchanging images and videos of children being sexually abused.
That same day, police searched a Surrey home and seized electronic and computer devices.
A 36-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with a number of child pornography-related charges, including sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching, possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and making child pornography.
Six local children and a child in Ontario between the ages of five and 11 were rescued as part of the investigation, authorities said.
"Our intervention was such that they will no longer be abused," said RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Annie Linteau.
"I can't really say where they are at the moment, other than to say that they are safe."
Linteau said the children were known to the suspect, but she declined to say how they knew each other.
The suspect was scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
Police said there are a number of investigations worldwide and further arrests are possible.
With files from The Canadian Press
