A 44-year-old man is facing charges connected to child pornography following an investigation by the New Westminster Police Department.
The accused is charged with importing and/or distributing child pornography; possession of child pornography; and accessing child pornography, according to court documents.
The investigation began earlier this year, when major crime detectives at the New West police department were contacted by officers with the RCMP’s Integrated Child Exploitation Unit of B.C. regarding images of child sexual abuse, noted a press release from police.
Following what police describe as an “extensive” investigation, the detectives arrested Qi Xie (also known as Simon Xie) on Sept. 22. Charges were approved on Oct. 3.
“We take reports such as these very seriously, and we’re thankful that it led to the safe arrest of Mr. Xie,” said acting Sgt. Jeff Scott, spokesperson for the New Westminster Police Department. “We work tirelessly in our effort to keep every child safe, which is why we actively investigate these types of allegations.”
Xie was released on bail with strict conditions. He is prohibited from communicating or being alone with anyone under the age of 16.
It’s unclear whether Xie is a New Westminster resident. Police did not immediately return the Record’s calls.
