KUALA LUMPUR: A joint international crackdown on online child sexual exploitation led to the arrest of 69 people in Malaysia, including several civil servants, says Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
The Inspector-General of Police, at a press conference at Bukit Aman here on Thursday (April), said that Ops Cyber Guardian, organised by the Singapore Police Force, involving law enforcement agencies from Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, carried out raids from April 6 to April 8.
“A total of 110 targets were identified, and the operations were conducted all over the country, with all police contingents involved.
“A total of 69 people were arrested,” he said.
The police also seized 126 case items.
“The operation also led to the discovery of 204,934 files of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and 293,760 of adult pornography,” he said.
Investigations showed that the crime also involved a commercial element, with CSAM being bought and sold.
“A total of 62 investigation papers have led to 62 of those arrested being charged in court. Three have been sentenced to jail terms ranging from three to seven months.
“This crime is no longer just an isolated incident; it is increasingly becoming more organised and profit-oriented. Consequently, a comprehensive strategy that includes intelligence gathering, law enforcement, and strategic cooperation at both national and international levels is essential,” he said.