In a sweeping crackdown targeting online child exploitation, law enforcement agencies across six Asian nations have arrested more than 400 individuals suspected of involvement in child pornography. The coordinated operation, led by South Korea’s National Office of Investigation (NOI), marks one of the largest regional efforts to combat internet-based sexual abuse.
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Joint International Operation Spanning Six Countries
According to reports from Yonhap News and Channel News Asia, the investigation ran from February 24 to March 28 and involved police forces from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. A total of 269 raids were conducted, targeting 525 men and 19 women between the ages of 13 and 68.
In South Korea alone, authorities arrested 374 individuals, with 258 of them found in possession of child sexual abuse material. Among them, 74 were identified as content creators and 42 as distributors. A large portion of the suspects were teenagers, while 127 were in their 20s and 30s, and 23 were between 30 and 40 years old.
“These crimes cause irreversible harm to children and demand a strong global response, as digital abuse knows no borders,” the NOI emphasized in a statement. “We will continue to strengthen international cooperation to eradicate online child sexual exploitation.”
Arrests Across Asia
Japan’s law enforcement reported the arrest of 111 individuals in connection with child prostitution and the production or dissemination of child pornography. Authorities in Singapore apprehended 21 suspects, while Hong Kong police detained five. Although details from Thailand and Malaysia were not disclosed, officials confirmed participation in the regional effort.
A Call for Stronger Cross-Border Collaboration
The operation underscores the urgency of cross-border initiatives to tackle digital crimes involving minors. As internet access expands, so does the risk of exploitation—making coordinated international law enforcement a critical tool.
This latest crackdown serves as a stark reminder of the global nature of online abuse and the importance of proactive, united responses from nations worldwide.
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