SINGAPORE: Twenty-three men were arrested in an islandwide operation targeting online child sexual exploitation activities.
A 44-year-old man is also being investigated, the police said in a news release on Monday (Mar 27).
Those arrested, aged between 22 and 61, were suspected of possessing, distributing and gaining access to child abuse materials, circulating obscene materials, as well as possessing obscene films.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department conducted raids at multiple locations across the island. All electronic devices, including computers, handphones and hard disks, were seized in the five-week operation.
Some of the men have been referred to the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme (HT CARES), said the police.
“Social workers, also known as CARES officers, will conduct social triaging on the men and will assess whether further intervention is needed.”
The police added that they will continue to take tough enforcement action against online child sexual exploitation activities, including the possession and distribution of child abuse materials. Those found engaging in such activities will face stern action in accordance with the law.