The Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged two men with child exploitation offences. The cases are not related to one another.

In the first case, members of the ICE Unit began an online investigation into child exploitation in June of 2024 and subsequently arrested a male in the hamlet of Grasswood, near Saskatoon, on Tuesday, July 23rd.

As a result of the police investigation, 25-year-old Albert Wipf, was charged on July 23, 2024 with:

• One count of Possession of Child Pornography, section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code
• One count of Make Available Child Pornography, Section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code

Wipf appeared in court and was remanded for his next court appearance which has not yet been determined.

(Court Information Number: 991275616)

In the second case, members of the ICE Unit began an online investigation into child exploitation in June of 2024 and subsequently conducted a search of a residence in Saskatoon on July 24, 2024.

As a result of this investigation, 19-year-old Ren Edward Ruiz, was charged on July 24, 2024 with:

• Two counts of Possession of Child Pornography, section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code
• One count of Make Available Child Pornography, Section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code

Ruiz appeared in court and was released with numerous conditions. His next court date is August 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Saskatoon Provincial Court.

(Court information number: 991275796)

The Saskatchewan ICE Unit is comprised of investigators from the RCMP, Regina Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service, and Prince Albert Police Service. Their mandate is to investigate crimes involving the abuse and/or exploitation of children on the internet.

For media inquiries, please contact: S/Sgt. Tim Failler, Saskatoon Police Service, 306-986-6164.