Ontario's Peel Regional Police say an investigation has resulted in the uncovering of 73 child pornography suspects in 20 countries.

The investigation stemmed from the Nov. 2009 arrest of a 29-year-old Brampton man, who is facing sexual assault and child pornography charges. The man is before the court, but the matter is under a publication ban.

The arrest was made on a tip by Edmonton police.

Police emphasized that the online world, has real-life consequences.

"While the Internet has evolved and shown its potential to assist society is endless . . . we need to remember that there are people out there whose use of the Internet will destroy the lives of our children and their families," Peel Region Staff Supt. John Nielsen told reporters Tuesday morning.

Insp. Bob Strain added that sex offenders are increasingly using newer methods to cover their tracks online, making investigations more complex.

"The victimization of a child has a lifetime effect on their lives, their loved ones and the community at large," he said.

As a result of the investigation into the Brampton man, Peel police said there were two files of immediate concern.

Two men, one in Maine and one in Kent county, U.K., were arrested by local law enforcement on the basis of the Peel investigation. Both cases are under a publication ban.

The remaining 71 cases are being handed over to the RCMP.

Paul Gillespie, the CEO of the Kids' Internet Safety Alliance and former head of the Toronto Police Child Exploitation Unit, told CTV News Channel investigators examine the seized computers of child pornography suspects very closely in hopes to leading to other offenders.

He said it's unlikely the offenders in this case would be tipped off by Tuesday's announcement.

"The truth is, there are so many offenders in Canada and around the world it's not like anyone in any of these countries will go and throw their computer out the window," he said. "In most cases, offenders just don't take notice of these types of arrest."

Provincial police Det.-Staff Sgt. Frank Goldschmidt told reporters the investigation is evidence in how pervasive child pornography is around the world.