Massive International Effort Rescues Nearly 400 Children, Busts Horrific Child Exploitation Ring

Teresa Neumann : Nov 14, 2013
Diana Mehta – Canadian Press

Of those arrested, 76 were said to be Americans. Disturbingly, many of the criminals arrested held positions of influence, including school teachers, doctors, nurses, pastors and foster parents.

(Toronto, Canada)—After working diligently for three years, an international effort called Operation Spade, initiated and based in Canada, has finally been successful in rescuing nearly 400 children after breaking up a child pornography and exploitation ring that investigators said involved some of the most shocking abuse they've ever seen. The sheer amount of images and videos, they added, was "staggering."

"It's a first for the magnitude of the victims saved," said Inspector Joanna Beavin-Desjardins, of Toronto's Sex Crimes Unit.

According to a report in The National Post, police allege Brian Way, 42, had been running an "exploitation movie, production and distribution company" called Azov Films since 2005, and had made more than $4 million from the business. The videos were then distributed from Toronto to customers around the world through the mail and the Internet.

Of those arrested, 76 were said to be Americans. Disturbingly, many of the criminals arrested held positions of influence, including school teachers, doctors, nurses, pastors and foster parents.