Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Police forces from six Asian jurisdictions have arrested 435 individuals in a sweeping cross-border operation targeting online child sexual abuse and exploitation across Asia.
Police forces from Singapore led a cross-border operation between February 24 and March 28, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced on Friday (Apr 4). The The month-long operation effort involved law enforcement agencies from Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Among the suspects, 21 were arrested in Singapore alone, according to Channel News Asia. Authorities allege the individuals were involved in a range of offenses, including the production, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM); sexual assault; threats to disseminate explicit recordings; engaging in sexual communication with minors; and the sale or sharing of obscene recordings. Some of the seized content was reportedly generated using artificial intelligence.
During the operation, officers from the Specialized Crime Branch of Singapore’s Criminal Investigation Department, in collaboration with five other police agencies, carried out raids at 269 locations across Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand.
Officers confiscated a significant cache of electronic devices: 84 computers, 279 mobile phones, 32 tablets, 150 storage devices, and nine internet routers were among the items seized.
Legal Consequences
In Singapore, possessing child abuse material carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Distributing or selling such material can result in up to seven years’ imprisonment, in addition to fines or corporal punishment.
The SPF said that 11 of the suspects arrested in Singapore have been referred to the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme. Under the initiative, social workers will assess their risk levels and determine whether additional intervention is required.
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Senior Assistant Commissioner Yeo Yee Chuan, deputy director of the Criminal Investigation Department, praised the joint effort and professionalism of the officers involved.
“Crimes against children are unacceptable and must be actively prevented,” Yeo said, as reported by Channel News Asia. “With the internet and the rapid evolution of technology, the distribution of child sexual abuse materials has become faster, more widespread, and increasingly anonymous.”
Authorities emphasized that the fight against online child exploitation remains a top priority, and cross-border cooperation is essential in tackling crimes that transcend national boundaries. Law enforcement agencies across Asia vowed to continue joint efforts to protect children from online child sexual abuse and exploitations.
(Raidi/Agung)
