A 23-year-old man has been arrested following allegations that he lured two young girls through social media and solicited child sexual abuse material.
Durham Regional Police say members of the Child Exploitation Unit launched an investigation in late 2025 after receiving information that the man had allegedly communicated with a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl through social media platforms Reddit and Snapchat.
According to police, the suspect used Reddit and Snapchat to communicate with the victims under the usernames “DeliveryNormal7189” and “manu041.01” to persuade them to send child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
In 2026, police executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in Whitby.
During the raid, police arrested the suspect, who was identified as Manu Sugunakumar of Whitby and seized several electronic devices.
Sugunakumar was charged with numerous offences, including two counts of luring a person under 16 to facilitate sexual assault, three counts of luring a person under 18 to facilitate the making of child sexual abuse material, one count of luring a person under 16 to facilitate invitation to sexual touching, and one count of publishing an intimate image without consent.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Regional Police.
Police say Sugunakumar is employed by Durham College at the time of the arrest.
In a statement to CTV News a spokesperson on behalf of Durham College said the employee who is on contract was placed on leave and is not currently working at the school.
“Durham College is aware of charges laid by Durham Regional Police Service involving a contract employee of the college.” the spokesperson said.
“These allegations are deeply concerning. The safety and well-being of our students, employees, and broader community remain our highest priority.”
The spokesperson said the college ”will fully cooperate police in its investigation as required"
“As this matter is before the courts and is the subject of an active police investigation, the college will not comment further.”
