Searches carried out in Limerick targeting online child sexual exploitation material

SEARCHES have been carried out in Limerick targeting online child sexual exploitation material. 

The searches were carried out as part of 16 days of activism from An Garda Síochána.

Between November 28 and December 1, 10 searches were conducted in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Louth and Wicklow by local Divisional Protection Service Units (DPSUs) and Detective units. 

To date, during 2022, the Online Child Exploitation Unit has sent in excess of 700 referrals to local Divisional Protective Services Units for investigation

The searches were part of an evidence gathering phase of the operation and the the intelligence led searches, with warrants under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, will help identify suspects who are using Peer to Peer file sharing and secondly suspects using various Social Media platforms to share, distribute and possess Child Sexual Exploitation material.]

Members of Civil Defence in Limerick honoured at national awards ceremony

The searches coordinated by the Online Child Exploitation Unit (OnCE) attached the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) were carried out under Operation KETCH.

Various items of digital material was seized for forensic examination.

Gardaí continue to liaise with TUSLA in relation to child protection concerns that arise.

Speaking today Detective Superintendent Lackey, Garda National Protective Service Bureau highlighted: "Person accessing, viewing and distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material need to recognise that this is not a victimless crime, in fact the young victims of this criminal activity are amongst the most vulnerable victims in our society in Ireland and Internationally. 

"An Garda Síochána is working and will continue to work closely with all our international partners to target, disrupt and bring to justice anyone involved in the accessing, distribution and production of the this criminal sexual abuse material."