More than 500 children have been identified as potential victims of online sexual abuse during a major investigation by Police Scotland. The force said 30 million indecent images were seized and 77 people had been charged during Operation Lattise.
The charges include rape, sharing indecent images of children and grooming for sexual purposes. Of the 523 potential victims, some as young as three, 122 have been referred to child protection services.
The operation, which involved 134 separate investigations, was carried out between the 6 June and 15 July.
Police said child victims had been found after the homes of 83 suspects were searched and 547 computers and other devices seized during the five-week operation.
‘Horrific acts’
Almost 400 charges have been brought so far, including rape, sharing indecent images of children, grooming for sexual purposes, sexual extortion, indecent communication with children, possession of a firearm, bestiality and drugs offences.
In one instance, a computer that featured 10 million images depicting child abuse was found. Police Scotland said it would take four full-time officers six months just to view the number of images uncovered.
The investigation involved officers analysing in excess of 100,000 online chat logs.
Examination of one device led officers to conclude that one adult suspect had been sexually communicating with more than 110 children and young people.
Det Insp Andy McWilliam, who was also involved in the investigation, said that new technology meant there was no way for perpetrators to hide or erase what they had done online.
He said: “Whether they throw the computer in the bath or not, we can find what they have looked at. And we can use covert technology to identify who you are and where you are.
- Portuguese military force ambushed in Central African Republic
- Hurricane Lorenzo reaches the Azores
- Eighty one arrests in investigation targeting Spanish cocaine trafficking group
- Tancos Military Weapons theft case: Former Director of the Military Judicial Police Luis Vieira will ask to make a pre-trial statement
- Azores prepares for arrival of Hurricane Lorenzo
- GOVERNO PRORROGA PERÍODO CRÍTICO DE INCÊNDIOS
- Government Extends Critical Fire Period unitil 10th October 2019
- Azores Regional Government prepares the necessary measures to face Hurricane Lorenzo
- Four GNR military defendants accused of Tancos in disciplinary proceedings opened by IGAI
- PSP detain two persons for using counterfeit 100 Euro bank notes
- Four arrested for international drug trafficking at Lisbon airport
- Secretary of State for Civil Protection Resigns from office
- São Miguel Island – Person identifies in connection with the theft of gold items from a resident
- Some 7000 operative dealt with 25 major fires on 13th and 14th September
- Safe Communities Recognized as a Civil Protection Volunteer Organisation
