TORONTO: A physician at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has been charged with offences related to alleged child sexual abuse and exploitation material following an investigation by Toronto police.
Police said Dilan Dissanayake, 44, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
According to investigators, the case began after the Toronto Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit received information alleging that an individual had used an electronic device to access and download illegal material.
As part of the investigation, officers executed search warrants in February 2026 at both the hospital and a private residence in Toronto. During the searches, police seized several electronic devices, including a work computer.
Police said investigators have not found any evidence at this stage linking the alleged material to Dissanayake’s work as a physician or to his medical practice.
In a statement, SickKids confirmed that the doctor was placed on immediate leave after the hospital became aware of the investigation. The hospital said it is cooperating with authorities as the case proceeds.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with relevant information has been asked to contact Toronto police.
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