ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit is warning parents about the high number of sexual exploitation cases involving children.

Over the past 12 months, they’ve had to deal with over 2,100 referrals. This number has been rising steadily since 2015 when ICE was involved in roughly 750 cases.

“This is a concerning consequence of our digital dependency during the pandemic,” said ALERT CEO Supt. Dwayne Lakusta.

“ALERT has responded by directing more tools and resources to our ICE units and we are prepared to travel to every corner of the province in order to stop child sex predators.”

In the first three months of 2021, ICE has arrested 24 individuals for alleged online instances of child sexual exploitation.

The majority of these individuals were in Edmonton and Calgary with none happening in Wood Buffalo.

However, ICE did arrest a 48-year-old Fort McMurray man for allegedly trying to lure a 13-year-old girl.

“The sexual exploitation of children is a crime that tears at the fabric of society and preys on our most vulnerable,” added Kaycee Madu, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

“Increased provincial funding is enabling ALERT to double the size of its ICE unit, ensuring it has the tools and resources to track down predators who commit these heinous acts and bring them to justice,” said Hon. Kaycee Madu, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.”

Anyone with information about any potential cases is encouraged to contact local RCMP at 780-788-4000 or cybertip.ca.