In recent years, Quebec has seen a significant increase in child enticement charges, with statistics showing a dramatic rise over the last 15 years. A group from France, known as Team Moore, has played a vital role in identifying and reporting sexual predators globally. Their efforts have led to the apprehension of several notorious offenders within Quebec.
Team Moore: A Global Initiative Against Cyber Predators
Founded in 2019, Team Moore aims to combat cyber pedocriminality. This collective has grown rapidly, with members spanning various regions of the Francophonie. They have reported hundreds of suspected pedophiles worldwide. Neila Moore, a co-founder of Team Moore, stated, “Despite limited resources, we have filed as many complaints as there have been seizures by French police targeting cyber predators in 2024.”
Methods of Operation
To effectively gather evidence, Team Moore creates fake profiles of minors using digitally altered images. This tactic allows them to attract potential predators online. Once a suspect is caught, the team collects substantial evidence to present to law enforcement authorities.
Notable Cases and Impact in Quebec
Among those apprehended due to Team Moore’s efforts is Yvon Germain, who has faced multiple arrests for luring young girls since 2018. The group’s influence continues to grow, but their actions raise concerns among law enforcement.
Advice from Law Enforcement
- Authorities caution against citizens taking justice into their own hands.
- Such actions can inadvertently obstruct ongoing investigations.
- Engaging with potential offenders can pose significant risks to individuals.
Detective Josianne Caron of the Quebec City Police Service emphasized the need for the public to remain within legal boundaries. “Engagement should always be through official channels to avoid legal repercussions and personal danger,” she remarked.
The Prevalence of Online Predation
Team Moore’s initiative originated following a personal story shared with Steven Moore. A mother expressed concerns about her daughter being targeted by an online predator. Witnessing the frequency of sexual solicitation prompted action and reinforced the urgency of addressing this issue.
Despite their significant contributions, Team Moore operates without official recognition from French authorities. Nonetheless, they continue to collaborate discreetly with law enforcement to tackle the growing threat posed by cyber predators.
