In an operation spanning five weeks across six Asian countries, law enforcement agencies joined forces to combat online child sexual exploitation, resulting in 435 arrests.
By: SPF Insider
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) collaborated with five regional police forces in an operation against online child sexual exploitation across Asia from 24 February to 28 March 2025. The operation resulted in 435 arrests and 109 persons under investigation, involving 525 men and 19 women aged between 13 and 68 across six jurisdictions.
The Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Specialised Crime Branch (SCB) led Singapore’s enforcement efforts, working in close coordination with police forces from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.
The operation’s scope was extensive, with officers conducting raids at 269 locations across these jurisdictions. The operation yielded significant seizures of electronic evidence, including 84 computers, 279 handphones, 32 tablets, 150 storage devices and 9 routers. Officers also seized child sexual abuse materials, including those created using Generative Artificial Intelligence tools.
“Crimes against children are unacceptable and must be actively prevented,” emphasised Deputy Director CID, Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) Yeo Yee Chuan. “With the internet and the rapid evolution of technology, the distribution of child sexual abuse materials has become faster, more widespread and increasingly anonymous.”
Local Enforcement Efforts Lead to 21 Arrests
In Singapore, 21 men aged between 23 and 61 were arrested for their suspected involvement in various offences related to child sexual exploitation. Investigations revealed cases including a 43-year-old man who allegedly paid for live-streamed sexual acts from a young female victim over several years.
Eleven of the persons arrested in Singapore have been referred to the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme (HT CARES). Under this programme, CARES officers conduct social triaging to assess the need for further intervention.
Strengthening Global Enforcement Networks
SAC Yeo highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling online child sexual exploitation. “The collaboration between SPF, foreign law enforcement agencies and private entities has enabled the rescue of children and apprehension of perpetrators,” he noted.
The success of this operation demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse. The SPF remains steadfast in working with international partners to disrupt and dismantle networks that prey on the vulnerable through tough enforcement actions.
Every Child Matters
Want to learn more about how SPF’s SCB safeguards our community’s most vulnerable? Read about Inspector Bryan Ang’s 17-year journey in law enforcement and his vital work in combating child exploitation. Read the full story here!
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