New Westminster man charged with child sexual abuse and exploitation offences

New Westminster police say Gerard Saunders has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences after an international investigation that led to the identification and rescue of five children in the Philippines.

The New Westminster Police Department said Tuesday that Saunders faces charges of possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, making such material, and agreeing or making an arrangement with a person to lure a child. Police said Saunders lived in New Westminster at the time of the alleged offences.

The lengthy international investigation began in June 2023 after the department's major crime unit received a tip from the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit, police said. The investigation stemmed from child sexual abuse material uploaded from an IP address through a public platform. Investigators traced the activity to a New Westminster residence.

Police identified a suspect, executed a search warrant at his home and seized multiple electronic devices for further investigation. Information gathered during the investigation indicated the suspect's potential involvement in child sexual exploitation offences involving victims in the Philippines, police said. The mother of the five children was also arrested by local authorities in the Philippines, according to the department.

Sgt. Andrew Leaver said the diligence and determination of detectives ultimately led to the children's rescue. He said the case was not victimless and illustrated the far-reaching harm such offences can cause to children, their families, caregivers and communities.

Online court records show Saunders, who was born in 1960, was charged on Aug. 26 this year. The alleged offences are dated Feb. 7, 2023, and Nov. 30, 2023. Police said he was released on an undertaking with extensive conditions and is scheduled to next appear in court in New Westminster on Oct. 7.

Anyone in immediate danger or fearing for their safety should call 911. The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres lists centres offering information, advocacy and counselling, while the Ending Violence Association of Canada provides links to helplines, support services and locations offering sexual assault kits.

Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines are +1 866 925 4419 and +1 800 721 0066, available 24 hours a day. The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line is +1 416 597 8808, available 24 hours a day; the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is +1 833 900 1010, also available 24 hours a day. Trans Lifeline is available at +1 877 330 6366, and the Suicide Crisis Helpline can be reached by calling or texting 988, 24 hours a day. Current and former Canadian Armed Forces members can contact the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre at +1 844 750 1648. Victims can learn about their rights through the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.