Learn how the SPF’s Specialised Crime Branch collaborates with law enforcement agencies around the globe to target criminals who exploit the vulnerable.
By: Domnic Dass
With its team of dedicated and highly trained officers, the Specialised Crime Branch (SCB) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) works relentlessly in the darkest corners of the cyber domain, tracking down perpetrators, dismantling crime syndicates and offering hope to victims exploited for criminal purposes. In an exclusive interview with Police Life, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Michael (not his real name), Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the SCB’s Vice and Sex Trafficking Investigation Team shares insights into these efforts.
From Chatroom to Courtroom
DSP Michael, who joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 1993, has been leading SCB’s sex trafficking investigation efforts since March 2013. He explains the team’s singular mission: “We play a vital role in investigating cases involving trafficking in persons; the viewing and possession of child abuse materials; and child sexual exploitation.”
One significant investigation that DSP Michael led in 2015 involved an offender, Michael Frank Hartung, who’d marketed sex tours. In an elaborate operation, officers uncovered the illegal activities of the offender, which included the organisation of overseas tours for the purpose of commercial sex with minors.
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Hartung offered to facilitate these illegal activities and met with the undercover officers. These interactions provided crucial evidence against him. In July 2019, he was convicted on two charges of distributing information to promote commercial sex with minors and sentenced to a jail term of five-and-a-half years.
“He was later convicted of possessing obscene films and sentenced to an additional 12-week imprisonment,” explained DSP Michael. “Crimes against children cannot be condoned. Singapore takes a serious stance of child sexual exploitation and abuse, and those found engaging in such activities will be dealt with firmly, in accordance with the law,” DSP Michael emphasised.
Global Partnerships
Notably, DSP Michael is the first officer from the SPF to receive training in navigating the Dark Web. This has equipped him with specialised skills and knowledge to act against online perpetrators who prey on the vulnerable.
“Offenders continue to leverage technology and the Dark Web to operate across borders,” he explained. “These offenders may also be part of organised criminal groups that run transnational operations. Such activities can be hard to uncover and dismantle, and that’s why we work closely with law enforcement agencies around the world.”
These global partnerships have borne fruit. In February and March 2024, the CID, together with the seven Land Divisions, collaborated with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Korean National Police (KNPA) Agency on a five-week, cross-border enforcement operation. This effort saw 272 individuals across three countries being arrested for online child sexual exploitation activities.
“We’ve established a robust network of international contacts to share intelligence and swiftly address transnational cases,” explained DSP Michael. “Singapore also enforces strict laws to combat child sexual abuse – anyone who possesses, or has access to child abuse material, and knows or believes that the material is indeed child abuse material, may face an imprisonment term of up to five years, and be liable to a fine or caning.”
Sharper Skills, Objectivity and Compassion
To enhance their investigative skills, SCB officers study offender psychology and online grooming tactics. Additionally, DSP Michael also facilitates specialised courses to equip officers with new investigative approaches, internet search strategies, and evidence collection methods.
In addition to skills training, officers also receive training in stress management, trauma awareness, and empathy, enabling them to better connect with and support vulnerable victims. “We must be aware of our own emotions to handle cases objectively, and also compassionately,” says DSP Michael. “With determination and collective action, we can ensure justice prevails.”
The SCB plays a vital role in upholding law and order by targeting and dismantling criminal networks. Learn about the gritty reality of investigating cases involving vice and sex trafficking, two senior investigators who have been combatting illegal gambling, and from one of the SCB’s Cyber Guardians!
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