An online child sexual exploitation investigation spanning three provinces has led to more than four dozen arrests.

The investigation was initiated by the Sûreté du Québec’s integrated child pornography enforcement team.

Searches took place earlier this week in several communities throughout Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.

A total of 29 men between the ages of 18 and 84 were arrested by police in several Quebec communities.

Searches took place in Montreal, Trois-Rivières, Repentigny, St-Jérôme, Terrebonne, Laval, St-Hyacinthe, Drummondville, Québec, Acton Vale, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Sherbrooke, Val-d’Or, Rouyn Noranda, Gatineau, Longueil, St-George de Beauce, Beauceville and Cap-Santé.

Ontario Provincial Police spokesperson Agata Czajkowski said 18 people were arrested across the province, ranging in age from 24 to 85. They face a total of 77 charges.

The individuals were from the communities of Barrie, Belleville, Burlington, Clarence-Rockland, Essex, Georgina, Guelph, Greater Sudbury, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Ottawa, Toronto and Windsor.

New Brunswick RCMP said it executed two search warrants and arrested two individuals in connection with the investigation.

Cpl. Stephane Esculier would not provide any other details, including their ages or locations, as no charges had been laid as of Friday.

With files from Adam Riley.