Donald Steven Lang was captured over the weekend in a coordinated effort between multiple Island RCMP departments, including the Nanaimo detachment, and FBI in the United States. He faces charged of producing sexually explicit material involving a minor. (Image Credit: FBI)

By Alex Rawnsley

production of child exploitation material

Nanaimo & Island RCMP detachments aid FBI in high-profile arrest

Aug 25, 2026 | 11:58 AM

NANAIMO — Officers from various detachments across Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo, have worked alongside American agents for a high-profile arrest.

Donald Steven Lang, 62, was arrested this past weekend and is facing charges in Hawaii for sexual exploitation of a child in connection to an international investigation regarding the production of explicit material involving minors.

Lang, an experienced sailor, allegedly produced the sexually explicit material on board his 52-foot sailboat between September and December 2024, with his boat frequently travelling the Pacific and harbouring in Hawaii.

“Lang’s apprehension was the direct result of the cooperation of the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)’s Tofino General Duty, Island District GIS, Nanaimo Detachment, and Island District ERT,” a statement from the FBI’s Honolulu division read. “The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in securing the apprehension.”

Born in British Columbia, Lang was previously indicted on unrelated charges of child sexual abuse in Idaho for incidents between 2003 and 2007.

production of child exploitation material

Nanaimo & Island RCMP detachments aid FBI in high-profile arrest

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He has been the subject of an extensive investigation and manhunt, with a reward offered for his capture.

“Donald Lang has been accused by multiple victims of committing sexual abuse of a minor,” Heigh Janke, FBI Criminal Assistant Director, said in a statement. “Lang’s apprehension was the direct result of the collaboration of the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Pacific Region.”

If convicted, Lang faces a minimum jail sentence of 15 years, with a maximum penalty of 30 years.

Post-release supervision and a substantial monetary fine could also be applied.

NanaimoNewsNOW has contacted RCMP for further information on their role in the arrest.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Nanaimo & Island RCMP detachments aid FBI in high-profile arrest

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