The Canadian government is confirming Ernest Fenwick Macintosh has been arrested in Nepal on allegations of child sex abuse.

The 71-year-old business man was convicted of 17 counts of abusing boys in Nova Scotia back in the 70s, but those convictions were overturned.

Police in Nepal say Macintosh reportedly threatened a 15-year-old boy before luring him to his hotel room.

"I have long held a strong interest in this file and I was dismayed to hear that another child has been victimized. There is a devastating history around this individual where numerous victims and their families continue to struggle to overcome the horrendous abuse endured. We will lend assistance in whatever way possible to see that justice is done,” says justice minister Peter MacKay in a statement to CTV News.