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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Winnipeg Man Charged in International Child Sexual Exploitation Case
A 50-year-old Winnipeg man, Christopher Steven Hoskins, has been charged with multiple child sexual exploitation offences following an international investigation into the abuse of children in the Philippines, the Winnipeg Police Service reported on Friday.
Allegations of Paid Sexual Abuse Material Production
According to police, the case centers on allegations that Hoskins communicated with two individuals in the Philippines between late 2017 and mid-2023. Authorities allege that he paid these individuals to create child sexual abuse and exploitation material. The two individuals had several young children in their care, ranging from pre-school to school age, who were reportedly victimized in the process.
Distribution and Threats Involving Sexual Abuse Material
Winnipeg police allege Hoskins also transmitted sexual abuse material to the individuals in the Philippines. Investigators believe that between March and July 2023, Hoskins demanded more material from the contacts, threatening to distribute existing sexual abuse material to their family and friends on social media if they did not comply, a form of online extortion.
International Investigative Cooperation
The investigation became international in scope when, in January 2025, U.S. Homeland Security investigators provided a tip to the RCMP National Child Exploitation Crime Centre regarding a Canadian suspect. The information led to the involvement of the Winnipeg Police Service’s child exploitation unit. They discovered that the suspect, operating under an online alias, was residing in Winnipeg.
Arrest and Electronic Device Seizure in Winnipeg
On October 1, Winnipeg police arrested Hoskins at a residence in southern Winnipeg. Several electronic devices were seized during the arrest, as part of gathering evidence into the alleged child sexual exploitation activities. The material in question was also reportedly distributed via social media platforms in the United States, broadening the case's multinational aspect.
Comprehensive List of Charges
Hoskins faces a range of charges, including agreement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 18, agreement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 16, counselling another person to commit sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching. Additional charges include six counts related to making, accessing, importing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, as well as one count of extortion.
Release and Conditions
Following his arrest, Christopher Steven Hoskins was released under an order prohibiting any contact with persons under 18 years of age. The investigation highlights the collaboration between law enforcement agencies across borders, including Homeland Security, the RCMP National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, and the Winnipeg Police Service's child exploitation unit.
Source: cbc.ca.
