An investigation into online exploitation of youth and young adults has led to three arrests.

A 27-year-old man, a 26-year-old man, and a 26-year-old woman, all from Cote D’Ivoire, Africa were picked up in Moncton, in connection with an investigation into online exploitation targeting youth and young adults.

In recent months, the New Brunswick RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has seen a significant increase in financially-motivated online exploitation of youth and young adults and has been actively investigating multiple reports across the province.

Information was received from the Roussillon Intermunicipal Board of Police in Quebec and on March 2, Codiac Regional RCMP executed search warrants at two locations in Moncton and Dieppe.

During the searches, police seized a number of electronic devices.

The three individuals were later released, and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.