Irishman arrested in online child porn probe

GARDAÍ searched the homes of five people and arrested one man as part of a massive European investigation into online child abuse material.

Operation Icarus was set up to target the most extreme forms of video material, including the sexual abuse and rape of babies and toddlers.

Europol, the EU police agency which coordinated the operation, said 269 suspects were identified and 112 people arrested across 22 member states.

The operation was set up last January by a special EU group, comprising of 12 countries including Ireland.

Garda sources said five suspects were identified in Ireland and searches were carried out on their homes. Computers, laptops, hard drives and disks were seized. One man was subsequently arrested and questioned. A file is being prepared for the DPP.

Details in relation to the Garda investigation were fed back to Europol.

In a statement, Europol said all material seized was being forensically examined to support follow-up investigations and possible prosecution of offenders.

“This operation shows how the internet is helping offenders to develop better techniques for sharing images on a global basis and for protecting their identity,” said Europol director Rob Wainwright.

“The problems involved are becoming harder to police and call for sustained efforts by policy-makers and law enforcement agencies to ensure that society’s response remains strong and agile in this area.”

Europol said investigations were and that more arrests were expected.

The agency said a special focus would be on identifying the producers of the material, the suspects and their victims.

It said that among those arrested for downloading illegal material was one man suspected of grooming a young child. He was arrested before being able to meet the child face to face.

This is the first operation under the auspices of an action plan drawn up by an EU project called CIRCAMP. Ireland is one of 12 countries involved in this initiative.

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström said: “These children are victims of multiple crimes. First, when the actual abuse takes place. Then, when it is filmed. And, thereafter, every time the images are posted, circulated or viewed.”

* See hotline.ie to report suspected illegal content online and for advice on internet safety