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In May 2025, detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.

The investigation into child exploitation material led to a resident of Welland. On May 20, 2025, ICE Unit detectives concluded their investigation, resulting in the positive identification of a suspect.

On May 21, 2025, ICE Unit and Technological Crimes Unit detectives located and arrested Justin Murray Lee, 49, of Welland. Lee was arrested and charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada:

  • Two counts of possession of child pornography (s. 163.1(4))
  • Two counts of making child pornography (s. 163.1(2))
  • One count of accessing child pornography (s. 163.1(4.1))
  • One count of making child pornography available (s. 163.1(3))
  • One count of voyeurism (s. 162(1))

Lee was held in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church St., St. Catharines.

Online platforms that enable users to engage with minors, and to create, share, or store child sexual abuse material (CSAM), are prevalent. Offenders who attempt to lure children while hiding behind anonymous accounts can and will be identified and held accountable.

For more information on how parents and guardians can help keep children safe online,

CLICK HERE.

The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, and conducts investigations in partnership with Ontario police services and international agencies. This initiative is made possible through funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest.

Incident #25-49847