VicPD Leads Successful Extradition of William Tate to Face Child Pornography Charges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2026
File: 22-2575
Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) has successfully led the extradition of William TATE, who was wanted in connection to child pornography charges.
This significant investigative effort underscores VicPD’s ongoing commitment to protecting children, pursuing offenders across jurisdictions, and ensuring those charged with serious crimes are brought to justice. Today, VicPD officers escorted Tate on a flight from the United States to Canada following his extradition from the U.S.
The return follows an investigation into Tate’s failure to report to the Vancouver Island Regional Correction Centre (VIRCC) in late 2025 to begin serving a two-year less one day sentence for child pornography offences. A warrant for his arrest was issued for Escape from Lawful Custody.
VicPD investigators tracked Tate in the U.S. and through collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Marshals Service. Tate was located in the San Francisco area and transported back to Canada, where he has been turned over to BC Corrections.
VicPD would like to thank the officers involved for their dedication throughout this complex investigation and the successful coordination of this international effort.
Backgrounder:
On December 4, 2017, VicPD launched an investigation after identifying an IP address linked to the unauthorized uploading, downloading, and sharing of child abuse material on a peer-to-peer network via the Child Protection System (CPS) website. Following further investigation, a search warrant was executed at Tate’s residence, resulting in the seizure of several electronic devices containing thousands of images and videos of child abuse material.
