In a significant cross-border operation against online child sexual exploitation, Singapore Police have arrested 21 men, part of a larger group of 435 individuals detained across six Asian jurisdictions. This multinational initiative, which took place from 24 February to 28 March 2024, involved collaboration with police forces from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Details of the Operation
The operation saw police officers conducting raids at 269 locations, resulting in seizures that included:
- 84 computers
- 279 handphones
- 32 tablets
- 150 storage devices
- 9 routers
- Child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence tools
The operational scale emphasised the pressing nature of the challenge posed by online exploitation, which has evolved alongside rapid technological advancements.
Arrests and Charges
The Sanctioned individuals arrested in Singapore are aged between 23 and 61 and face serious charges, including:
- Producing, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse materials — punishable by imprisonment up to seven years.
- Engaging in sexual communication with minors and threats regarding intimate photographs — which also carries severe penalties.
Preliminary investigations revealed particularly distressing cases: a 43-year-old man allegedly paid a young female victim over several years for live-streamed sexual acts. Additionally, a 24-year-old supposedly exchanged intimate photographs with another victim and threatened to publish them if she didn’t provide more.
Support for Victims
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) reported that 11 of the arrested suspects have been referred to the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme. This initiative allows social workers to perform assessments and determine necessary interventions to support the individuals involved.
Official Statements
Senior Assistant Commissioner Yeo Yee Chuan from the Criminal Investigation Department expressed gratitude to the officers for their dedication during the operation. He stressed, “Crimes against children are unacceptable and must be actively prevented.”
As the internet continues to facilitate the spread of harmful materials more anonymously, initiatives like this highlight the importance of international cooperation in tackling such serious crimes.