Police Cyber crimes Unit arrests 25 in national pedophilia raid

Suspects accused of possessing and distributing child pornography via Internet.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Updated: AUGUST 30, 2017 06:46
Cyber hackers [illustrative] (photo credit: REUTERS)
Cyber hackers [illustrative]
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The Cyber Crimes squad and the Lahav 443 anti-corruption unit arrested 25 suspects across the country on Tuesday, following a three-month investigation into the possession or distribution of child pornography via the Internet.
According to police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, the unidentified suspects arrested are being charged with using chat rooms and websites in Israel and abroad to exchange images, videos and other sexual content to pedophiles.
“During overnight police operations in the South and Central districts, 25 suspects were arrested involved in possessing and distributing pedophile materials on the Internet, including indecent acts against minors and sexual harassment,” said Rosenfeld.
“The houses of the suspects were searched and computer materials containing sexual and pedophile content were seized.”
While a court-issued gag order prevents police from revealing details of the investigation, Rosenfeld said police units confiscated computers, cellphones and other devices used to download and send the sexually explicit materials.
All of the suspects were arraigned at courts in central and southern Israel.
“This is again an example of police operations across the country to find suspects involved in using networks in order to distribute sexual materials and endanger minors,” Rosenfeld said.
“We recommend that parents take careful steps to protect their children from the dangers that exist on the various networks and social networks,” he added.