WARNING; Some details in this story are disturbing. Discretion is advised.
A Canadian man has been arrested in Cambodia and charged with sexually abusing young children between the ages of eight and 12.
Investigators from the Child Protection Unit (CPU) arrested the suspect this week.
A 43-year-old Canadian man has been charged with numerous offences including aggravated rape of a child and indecent assault against a child, adding that search warrants were executed and evidence seized from the suspect’s residence earlier this month.
According to the CPU, which is part of the Cambodian Children’s Fund, the alleged crimes initially occurred last month in Kandal province, when the suspect arrived in a village on a motorcycle. He allegedly told villagers he was a medical professional and was there to conduct health checks on children.
According to the CPU, the suspect has been remanded into custody to face trial.
The CPU says Task Force ECHO22 is being assisted by the RCMP in Canada and Thailand.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is aware of a Canadian detained in Cambodia.
Consular officials are liaising with local authorities to gather more information.
Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed at this time.
RCMP told Global News it is aware that a Canadian man was arrested on Aug. 1 and is currently in a Cambodian jail facing sex crime-related charges, specifically of assaulting several Cambodian children.
The RCMP was not involved in the arrest, the organization confirmed, however, the RCMP’s liaison officer in Thailand and the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre are looking further into activities in Canada and abroad. Additionally, the Liaison Officer is assisting the investigative team in Cambodia.For further details on this investigation, please contact the Cambodian National Police.
— with files from Rumina Daya