A 42-year-old Hamilton man is facing over 100 charges in a child sexual abuse and exploitation investigation that led to the rescue of four children in the Philippines. The investigation, which was launched in April 2025, involved a joint-forces international probe that identified an individual in Canada allegedly paying for and directing the livestream sexual abuse of children in the Philippines.
The investigation was spearheaded by Toronto Police, who worked in partnership with other agencies to determine the identity of the Canadian sending money to an alleged facilitator in the Philippines. A search warrant was executed near Kenilworth Ave. N. and Cannon St. E. in Hamilton, resulting in the arrest of Stephen Tolys and the seizure of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Tolys was initially charged with several offenses, including making an arrangement to commit child sexual abuse and exploitation, as well as accessing and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material. However, as investigators continued to review evidence and follow new leads, the scope of the investigation grew, and Tolys now faces an additional 130 charges related to the purchase and direction of livestream sexual abuse of children.
The total number of charges against Tolys now stands at 136, highlighting the scale of the alleged offenses and the commitment to holding offenders accountable. The investigation is a prime example of the importance of strong partnerships and information-sharing between agencies around the world in combating child exploitation.
Investigators are concerned about the possibility of other alleged victims and are urging anyone who communicated with Tolys via his alleged usernames to come forward. The usernames used by Tolys include Tupac101, Steve101, Steve-o, Jumpinjacks666, Mighty, and Mightymann66. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.
The case involves the livestreaming of child sexual abuse, a crime in which facilitators profit by charging customers to watch, request, or direct the abuse of children in real-time. These facilitators are often family members or other trusted individuals close to the victims, exploiting vulnerable children for financial gain. The investigation is a stark reminder that child exploitation is a serious crime that requires a concerted effort to protect children and hold offenders accountable.
Tolys is scheduled to appear in court on July 31. The investigation serves as a testament to the importance of international cooperation in combating child exploitation and highlights the need for continued vigilance in protecting children from abuse. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the authorities at 416-808-8500.
