Computers seized in child porn raids
Some 12 people have so far been brought before the courts as part of the investigation, code-named Operation Iron. Detectives are thought to be investigating up to 80 suspects as part of the operation which began in November 2004.
“Gardaí from the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit (DVSAIU) carried out a number of searches as part of an ongoing intelligence-led investigation into the downloading of child pornography in the state, code-named Operation Iron,” said a garda spokesman.
The spokesman said the raids on Tuesday were part of an investigation which has been going on for the past 14 months.
“This has led to private residences and business premises being searched and computer equipment seized,” he said.
“The subsequent forensic examination of the equipment has led to people appearing before the courts. Investigators are still examining equipment and further prosecutions will follow.”
He said that up to a dozen people have been brought before the courts and charged with child pornography offences since the operation began.
He said the process of examining computer equipment was “time-consuming and laborious.”
The operation is being conducted by the DVSAIU, which is part of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The investigation is a follow-on to Operation Amethyst, which involved nationwide searches of 110 homes, businesses and offices in May 2002.
Like Operation Amethyst, Operation Iron stems from investigations carried out in the United States.
In 2003, US authorities began investigating a Florida-based credit card billing service and its links with an eastern European company believed to have been the source of the images.
The company is reported to have amassed around €2.5 million in fees in just six months from thousands of subscribers in over 100 countries, including Ireland.
US authorities passed on the names of up to 80 Irish people to gardaí, who launched an investigation.
