Police arrest 31 people, including six minors, in nationwide operation against online child sexual abuse material distribution syndicate.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have dismantled a syndicate involved in distributing and possessing online child sexual abuse material through a joint operation with communications authorities.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail announced that 31 individuals were arrested during simultaneous raids across 37 locations nationwide.
The operation targeted suspects aged between 12 and 71 years old, including six minors and one foreign national.
Integrated Op Pedo 2.0 involved 206 personnel from 14 police contingents and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
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Digital intelligence, dark web monitoring and public reports led to the operation conducted from September 22 to 30.
Authorities identified 25 individuals as main targets while making six additional follow-up arrests.
Police seized 82 digital devices including computers, mobile phones, modems and data storage units during the operation.
Investigations uncovered more than 880,000 digital files containing child sexual abuse material and adult pornography.
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This represents a twenty-fold increase compared to the 40,000 files found during Op Pedo 1.0 in December 2024.
Seventeen suspects have been charged in court between September 24 and October 10.
Fourteen other individuals were released on police bail pending further investigation.
Police opened 29 investigation papers under the Sexual Offences against Children Act 2017, the Penal Code and the Immigration Act.
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Fifteen investigation papers resulted in charges against 17 suspects, with 15 pleading guilty and receiving fines between 1,000 and 10,000 ringgit.
Two other suspects will face trial after pleading not guilty to the charges.
Investigations revealed suspects used various social media platforms including Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram to access and distribute illegal material.
Some suspects acted as Telegram group administrators offering paid access through e-wallets or banking QR codes.
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The operation uncovered involvement of individuals in positions of authority, including religious teachers.
Police noted an increase in commercialisation of the crime, with operations becoming more organised and financially motivated.
Youth involvement aged between 17 and 21 years old was particularly concerning to authorities.
A 17-year-old student reportedly made 76,000 ringgit profit in the first nine months of this year from selling child pornography.
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These findings indicate a serious moral shift requiring strengthened parental supervision and device control.
Police view online child sexual offences seriously and will not compromise efforts to protect vulnerable groups.
Authorities remain committed to strengthening collaborations with MCMC and international enforcement agencies.
Strict and uncompromising action will be taken against any party profiting from child exploitation. – Bernama
