September 11, 2024
Iqaluit, NU – The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region's Federal Arctic Unit (FAU) in Nunavut, in a joint operation with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and with support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), has charged a Mauritian national with child pornography offences.
On Sep. 1, 2024, the FAU boarded a cruise ship in Frobisher Bay to assist CBSA and DFO officers with customs examinations. While conducting the routine examinations, a Mauritian citizen was examined by CBSA officers and arrested after the individual was found in possession of child pornography.
Akshay Somaroo, 31, a Mauritian national, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of child pornography contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code; and,
- Importation of child pornography contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code.
Somaroo is scheduled to appear in the Nunavut Court of Justice on Sep. 11, 2024.
"This investigation exemplifies the importance of strong working relationships between the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region and our federal partners. Thanks to the combined dedication of each agency to protecting the Canadian Arctic, we were able to hold this individual accountable for these serious crimes."
- Supt. Chan Daktari Dara, Acting Deputy Regional Commander, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region
"Border services officers protect Canadians by preventing the entry of inadmissible persons and dangerous material. By collaborating with partners such as the RCMP and DFO, the Canada Border Services Agency will continue to secure the border, including in Canada's Arctic."
- Jag Johnston, Regional Director General, Northern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency