Menu
16/07/2014
Almost 700 Suspected Paedophiles Arrested In Six Months
Almost 700 suspected paedophiles have been arrested in a six month operation involving 45 police forces across the UK, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has announced.
The NCA has published a report of an operation that took place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and led to the arrest of 660 suspected paedophiles, which included people with unsupervised access to children in the course of their work; including doctors, teachers, scout leaders, care workers and former police officers.
Of the 660, 39 people were Registered Sex Offenders but the majority of those arrested had not previously come to law enforcement’s attention.
It is understood that the investigation has been kept quiet before now in order to protect children, identify offenders and secure evidence.
The NCA and its partners have said that they will not reveal the methods they used to track down suspects so that they can use the same tactics again in the future.
Charging decisions are awaited in most cases because of ongoing enquiries but so far charges brought range from possessing indecent images of children to serious sexual assault.
NCA Deputy Director General Phil Gormley said: "This is the first time the UK has had the capability to coordinate a single targeted operation of this nature. Over the past six months we have seen unprecedented levels of cooperation to deliver this result.
"Our aim was to protect children who were victims of, or might be at risk of, sexual exploitation. A child is victimised not only when they are abused and an image is taken. They are re-victimised every time that image is viewed by someone.
"Some of the people who start by accessing indecent images online go on to abuse children directly. So the operation is not only about catching people who have already offended – it is about influencing potential offenders before they cross that line
"We want those offenders to know that the internet is not a safe anonymous space for accessing indecent images, that they leave a digital footprint, and that law enforcement will find it."
(MH/IT)
The NCA has published a report of an operation that took place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and led to the arrest of 660 suspected paedophiles, which included people with unsupervised access to children in the course of their work; including doctors, teachers, scout leaders, care workers and former police officers.
Of the 660, 39 people were Registered Sex Offenders but the majority of those arrested had not previously come to law enforcement’s attention.
It is understood that the investigation has been kept quiet before now in order to protect children, identify offenders and secure evidence.
The NCA and its partners have said that they will not reveal the methods they used to track down suspects so that they can use the same tactics again in the future.
Charging decisions are awaited in most cases because of ongoing enquiries but so far charges brought range from possessing indecent images of children to serious sexual assault.
NCA Deputy Director General Phil Gormley said: "This is the first time the UK has had the capability to coordinate a single targeted operation of this nature. Over the past six months we have seen unprecedented levels of cooperation to deliver this result.
"Our aim was to protect children who were victims of, or might be at risk of, sexual exploitation. A child is victimised not only when they are abused and an image is taken. They are re-victimised every time that image is viewed by someone.
"Some of the people who start by accessing indecent images online go on to abuse children directly. So the operation is not only about catching people who have already offended – it is about influencing potential offenders before they cross that line
"We want those offenders to know that the internet is not a safe anonymous space for accessing indecent images, that they leave a digital footprint, and that law enforcement will find it."
(MH/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2015
25 Arrests Made In NCA Child Abuse Investigation
Thirty two children in Northern Ireland have been "safeguarded and protected" in a joint operation between the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
25 Arrests Made In NCA Child Abuse Investigation
Thirty two children in Northern Ireland have been "safeguarded and protected" in a joint operation between the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
27 July 2012
18 Month Sentence For Child Pornography
A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for offences relating to indecent images of children. Adrian White admitted 23 counts of making or possessing indecent images and four counts of distributing them. Exeter Crown Court heard how the 52-year-old used the alias "Mr Grippy" when he exchanged extreme images to fellow paedophiles.
18 Month Sentence For Child Pornography
A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for offences relating to indecent images of children. Adrian White admitted 23 counts of making or possessing indecent images and four counts of distributing them. Exeter Crown Court heard how the 52-year-old used the alias "Mr Grippy" when he exchanged extreme images to fellow paedophiles.
14 July 2004
45 arrested in internet child porn probe
Police investigating alleged child pornography offences have arrested 45 people in a number of raids at addresses across northern England.
45 arrested in internet child porn probe
Police investigating alleged child pornography offences have arrested 45 people in a number of raids at addresses across northern England.
28 April 2010
2m Images Circulated By Paedophile Group
The amount of indecent images of children circulated on the internet by just 100 sex offenders convicted in the last 20 months would cover a football pitch twice, it has been revealed. The NSPCC investigation revealed that over two million images and videos were circulated.
2m Images Circulated By Paedophile Group
The amount of indecent images of children circulated on the internet by just 100 sex offenders convicted in the last 20 months would cover a football pitch twice, it has been revealed. The NSPCC investigation revealed that over two million images and videos were circulated.
22 October 2012
Children And Young People Warned About Posting Videos And Images
An internet safety organisation has warned that children and young people are posting thousands of sexually explicit images of themselves and their peers online. These are then being stolen by porn websites.
Children And Young People Warned About Posting Videos And Images
An internet safety organisation has warned that children and young people are posting thousands of sexually explicit images of themselves and their peers online. These are then being stolen by porn websites.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
