Aylmer man among 23 arrested in major child exploitation crackdown across Quebec
The Bulletin Aylmer Team
A resident of Aylmer is among 23 men arrested between May 11 and 14, 2026 following a major police operation targeting alleged consumers of child sexual abuse material across several regions of Quebec, including the Outaouais.
The Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) told the Bulletin that two Gatineau men were arrested as part of the joint investigation led by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and several municipal police forces. The SPVG investigators conducted two searches at approximately 4 am on May 14 at a residence in the Bellevue area and at a residence in the Aylmer area of Gatineau. The suspects identified by authorities are 63-year-old François Paul and 48-year-old Claude Léveillé. During these operations, SPVG investigators arrested the suspects and transported them 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 sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Authorities say the province-wide operation took place between May 11 and 14 and involved more than 160 officers from six police services, including SPVG. In total, investigators carried out 25 searches and seized more than four million computer files linked to child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The SQ stated that the suspects, who range in age from 26 to 73, are facing allegations related to the possession and distribution of, and access to child sexual abuse material. Investigators have identified four victims so far, including two minors.
Police emphasized that the accused were not necessarily connected through an organized network. Investigations were reportedly initiated through citizen complaints, online tips, social media reports and information provided by electronic service providers.
Authorities say additional investigations remain ongoing and further arrests could 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.
They also recommend this link for advice on the prevention of sexual exploitation and protection against it: https://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?p=police/jeunes_securite_adultes_informes/crimes_emergents_conseils/auto_exploitation_sexuelle&ref=sous-navigation