Two properties in Donegal have been searched as part of a major Garda operation targeting suspects involved in the possession and distribution of child pornography.
The raids took place between 1-4 February as part of Operation Ketch 5 – a nationwide probe into Child Exploitation Material.
Digital material was seized at both Donegal addresses for forensic examination. Follow up searches are expected to be carried out in the next few days.
The searches were conducted by the Online Child Exploitation Unit and the newly established Divisional Protection Service Units and local Detective Units.
Gardaí have confirmed that the Donegal addresses are among 23 properties in 11 counties which were searched pursuant to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. Gardaí are liaising with the Child & Family Agency regarding any child protection concerns that arise.
Operation Ketch 5 is the latest phase of an on-going search and recovery operation targeting suspects involved in the possession and distribution of Child Exploitation Material (Child Pornography) either through Social Network sites or via File Sharing Networks.
The timing of the operation is to coincide with Safer Internet Day 2019, which takes place today, Tuesday 5th February. The campaign aims to educate students about the risks of online exploitation and empower young people to seek help and report incidents to the Gardaí.
A spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána wishes to reassure the community, through operations and awareness campaigns such as these and other ongoing work by the Online Child Exploitation Unit, that we will relentlessly pursue those involved in the sexual exploitation of children, including those who possess, import and distribute child abuse material.”
Operation Ketch 5 is being led out by the Online Child Exploitation Unit (OnCE) at the Garda National Protection Services Bureau, who have issued the following internet safety advice:
- Protect your online life – use the maximum privacy settings.
- Be aware that people online may not be who they claim to be.
- Keep control online – do not share explicit or intimate images with anyone.
If you believe you are a victim of this type of crime, you should do the following:
- Don’t share more, don’t pay anything.
- Look for help. You are not alone.
- Preserve evidence. Don’t delete anything.
- Stop the communication. Block the person.
- Report it to An Garda Síochána.
To contact An Garda Síochána:
- Call in person to, or telephone, your local Garda Station;
- In the event of an emergency dial 999/112 or
- Contact the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line at 1800 555 222.
Preserve the evidence/device, do not delete anything.
Crimes of this nature that are reported to the Garda Síochána, will be fully investigated.
