Vancouver Island man sentenced to more than nine years for child exploitation offences

A man from Tofino has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences involving minors he contacted online, according to police.

In a statement, Port Alberni RCMP said Loki Tchir was sentenced on March 28 in Port Alberni on charges that include possession of child sexual abuse material and sexual interference involving a minor.

Police said the sentence also imposes long-term restrictions following his release, including limits on employment, contact with minors and attendance at certain public places for a period of 15 years.

According to RCMP, the investigation began in early 2025 after officers determined Tchir had travelled from Tofino to Port Alberni on multiple occasions, where the offences took place. Investigators seized a cellphone as part of the case and identified the residence linked to the incidents.

Police said the investigation revealed what they described as “distressing aspects,” including the scope of the offences and the use of online communication to access minors. No further details about the victims were released.