Thirteen Suspected Paedophiles Arrested in Scotland in Latest Investigation

As part of a six-month operation carried out across the UK thirteen suspected paedophiles have been arrested in Scotland.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed on the 21 July that there have been 660 arrests linked to the operation including teachers, doctors, care workers and former police officers from all over the UK. These numbers included 39 registered sex offenders.

The NCA has said more than 400 children in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are now being safeguarded from harm. Police officers searched 833 properties and examined 9,172 computers, phones and hard drives.

The operation was headed by the NCA and was a a collaboration between 45 police forces. The investigation sought to target those accessing indecent images of children online. Detective Superintendent Steven Wilson, said:

“The internet has created an environment where criminals seek new ways to exploit the most vulnerable. Sadly children and young people can be amongst those who become their victims. Police Scotland has worked tirelessly to proactively utilise all available new technology to combat the threats posed by online offenders, bring them to justice and protect those who are at risk of falling victim to abuse and exploitation.Those who believe that the internet offers anonymity to exploit children should understand that there is no hiding place, every contact leaves a trace which we will investigate to bring offenders before the courts.”

In recent figures Police Scotland confirmed more than 300 suspected paedophiles have been arrested north of the border since the Specialist Crime Division, Cybercrime unit went live last April.

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