Canadian arrest follows DIA investigation

9 July 2013

A Department of Internal Affairs’ investigator has played a significant role in an international investigation which yesterday led to the arrest of a Toronto University Professor on child pornography charges.

Censorship Compliance Unit Manager, Steve O'Brien said a DIA investigator corresponded with a Canadian national on an Internet chat channel over some months this year.

“He became concerned at the direction the conversation was taking, passed the information to the Canadian authorities and continued to work with the Toronto police during the investigation.

“This is a good example of how the Department works with Interpol and other international law enforcement agencies exchanging intelligence about people using the Internet to swap objectionable material. We are part of an international team in the global fight against child exploitation and sexual abuse. “

Toronto police said that Benjamin Levin, 61, was charged with two counts of distributing child pornography and one count each of making child pornography, counselling to commit an indictable offence and agreeing to or arranging for a sexual offence against a child under 16.

Media contact:
Trevor Henry, Senior Communications Adviser, Department of Internal Affairs
Phone 04 495 7211; 021 245 8642