435 arrested and 109 investigated in international crackdown on online child sexual exploitation

A five-week-long international law enforcement operation targeting online child sexual exploitation activities has resulted in the arrest of 435 individuals and the investigation of 109 others across six Asian jurisdictions. According to a statement by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the operation was conducted from 24 February to 28 March 2025, and was carried out in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), Japan National Police Agency (JNPA), Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Royal Thai Police (RTP). A total of 269 coordinated raids were executed across Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand. In all, 525 men and 19 women, aged between 13 and 68, were either arrested or are assisting with investigations.

Singapore: 21 arrested for serious offences involving foreign victims

In Singapore, the Specialised Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested 21 men, aged between 23 and 61, for various offences under the Penal Code 1871 and the Films Act 1981, including:

• Producing, possessing, gaining access to and distributing child sexual abuse materials (Sections 377BG–377BK);

• Sexual assault involving penetration (Section 376A(2));

• Threatening to distribute intimate images or recordings (Section 377BE);

• Sexual communication with a minor (Section 376EB);

• Transmission and sale of obscene materials (Section 292(1)(a));

• Possession of obscene films (Section 30, Films Act 1981).

Preliminary investigations revealed that a 43-year-old man allegedly paid a young foreign female victim over several years to perform sexual acts via livestream. Another 24-year-old man was found to have engaged in sexual communication with a young foreign girl, including the exchange of intimate photographs, and allegedly threatened to publish her images unless more were provided. Electronic devices seized in Singapore included 84 computers, 279 mobile phones, 32 tablets, 150 storage devices, and 9 routers. Notably, some of the material recovered included child sexual abuse content generated using artificial intelligence tools. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Singapore Police Force reaffirmed the country’s zero-tolerance stance on child sexual exploitation. The post stated that Singapore “will spare no effort to protect children from such harm” and that offenders “will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.”

Malaysia: 4 suspects arrested, 2 convicted, VPN use hampered tracking

In Malaysia, four local men were arrested as part of the operation, according to Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. The suspects included a civil servant, an accountant, a web designer, and an IT instructor. Their offences involved using peer-to-peer networks and Telegram groups to access and, in some cases, distribute child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Others stored the material for personal use. Devices seized included hard drives, mobile phones, computers, laptops, and iPads. Four investigation papers were opened under Section 292 of the Penal Code, with two cases already concluded in court:

• One man in Petaling Jaya was fined RM3,000 after pleading guilty.

• Another in Shah Alam was fined RM6,000.

The remaining two cases are pending forensic examination. Malaysia’s local enforcement action began on 20 March 2025, involving 46 police officers, staff from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and K-9 units. Ayob noted the challenges posed by dynamic IP addresses and VPN use, which hampered tracking efforts. He proposed legal amendments requiring internet service providers (ISPs) to retain user data for at least three years. "Most of the IP addresses provided were dynamic, meaning they frequently changed, which made the investigation difficult. Additionally, some suspects used VPNs to conceal their identities," he stated during a press conference.

Hong Kong: 7 arrested under Operation Hurdle

In Hong Kong, the enforcement action was named Operation Hurdle, as detailed in a briefing released by the Hong Kong Police Force. Based on intelligence involving peer-to-peer networks and online platforms, Hong Kong officers launched a series of raids between 24 February and 28 March. Seven men, aged 16 to 49, were arrested for:

• Producing child sexual abuse materials;

• Possessing child sexual abuse materials; and

• Obstructing police in the execution of their duties.

The operation was led by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, in conjunction with the Family Conflict and Sexual Violence Policy Unit, and supported by police clinical psychologists.

Japan: 111 investigated under Operation Cyber Guardian

In Japan, the operation was conducted under the national framework of Operation Cyber Guardian, marking the first international joint operation of its kind undertaken by Japanese authorities in child exploitation enforcement. According to the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA), 111 individuals (105 men and 6 women) aged 14 to 68 were investigated during the operation. Their alleged offences included:

• Possession, production, provision and purchase of child sexual abuse material;

• Engaging in non-consensual sexual acts;

• Coercion and intimidation related to sexual exploitation.

Raids were carried out at 123 locations, and seizures included:

• 40 computers,

• 154 mobile phones,

• 29 tablets, and

• 63 external storage devices.

Among the notable cases disclosed:

• A male high school teacher in his 30s was arrested for CSAM-related offences.

• A 60-year-old company employee and a foreign national working in elderly care were similarly charged.

• In one group chat incident, men aged in their 30s and 40s exchanged illicit materials and engaged in sexual acts with minors.

• There were also cases involving voyeuristic content of high school students and use of online marketplaces to distribute illegal content.

The JNPA stated it will “continue to enhance international collaboration and take effective measures to protect children from sexual victimisation.”

Thailand and South Korea: Participation confirmed, details pending

While Thailand and South Korea actively participated in Operation Cyber Guardian, their respective law enforcement agencies have not yet released public details regarding arrests or investigative outcomes. Their collaboration was critical to the success of the multi-country operation, which targeted offenders across borders through coordinated intelligence and technological surveillance. Further updates from these jurisdictions may be issued as investigations proceed and digital evidence is reviewed.