Dr. Dilan Dissanayake arrested by Toronto Police with child abuse videos

Dr. Dilan Dissanayake, a 44-year-old doctor who worked at the famous 'Hospital for Sick Children' (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada, has been arrested by Toronto Police on charges of possessing and obtaining child sexual abuse and exploitation material online.

The arrest was made following an investigation led by the Toronto Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit, which began in January 2026 based on information received about the acquisition of child sexual abuse material online using an electronic device. Subsequently, last February, investigators searched the doctor's home and the hospital premises where he worked with search warrants, and several electronic devices, including his work computer, were seized.

The charges against the doctor, who was scheduled to appear in court, have not yet been proven in court, and police investigations are ongoing. However, police emphasize that there is no evidence to date linking the child sexual abuse material to the doctor's medical profession or to patients he treated.

Issuing a statement regarding the incident, SickKids Children's Hospital stated that they are deeply shocked and saddened by the news and strongly condemn the alleged serious conduct. The hospital administration further stated that as soon as they learned of the investigation, they immediately took steps to suspend the doctor, and that the safety of patients and their families is given the highest priority.

Regarding Dilan Dissanayake, a pediatrician and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, the University of Toronto also issued a statement saying that he was administratively suspended immediately upon learning of the incident. The university further stated that if these allegations are confirmed by future investigations, steps will be taken to terminate all ties with him.