The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a news release on Monday (27 March) that 23 men have been arrested in police raids islandwide across Singapore for offences relating to the exploitation of children online.
Additionally, a 44-year-old man is also being investigated.
The arrested suspects range from between 22 to 61 years old and are being suspected of possessing, distributing and gaining access to obscene materials involving children, circulating obscene materials and the possession of obscene films.
Raids lasted 5 weeks across Singapore
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted raids islandwide across Singapore at multiple locations.
The operation lasted 5 weeks and all electronic devices, including computers, phones and hard disks were seized by the officers.
The Singapore Police Force added that some of the arrested suspects have been referred to the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme (HT CARES).
They said that the social workers, also known as CARES officers, will perform social triaging on the men and assess whether further intervention for them is required.
The Singapore Police Force added that they will continue to take tough enforcement action against the online exploitation of children, including the possession and distribution of obscene materials involving children, and those caught breaking the law will face stern action according to the law.
Potential penalties
Persons found guilty of distributing, selling, possessing, or offering the sale of any obscene material involving children, face a jail term of up to 7 years and a fine and caning.
Persons found guilty of distributing or possessing obscene materials face a jail term of up to 3 months and/or a fine.
Persons found guilty of possessing any obscene film(s) face a jail term of up to 6 months and/or a fine of $20,000.
Header and images sources: Singapore Police Force (SPF)
