Operation Koala Breaks EU Paedophile Ring
- November 2nd, 2007
- Posted by 7thmin
Work by Australian police tracking down paedophiles has led to a major drive by law enforcement agencies across all 27 countries of the European Union this week.
The sweep which began on Monday (29.10.07) is code-named “Operation Koala”.
Building on Australian police investigations it has targeted 2500 suspects in house searches, with several computers seized and so far at least 25 arrests in France and Belgium.
The Flandersnews online service quotes AFP, that Bruges police detained a man in Belgium accused of abusing his three daughters, all under ten, with videos made of the offences.
It says police are expected to give details on Operation Koala at a news conference this Monday (5.11.07), at Europol headquarters in The Hague.
Police have been witholding information but Europol has confirmed it is preparing announcements.
“Eurojust and Europol are proud to host a press conference in order to inform about the dismantling of a worldwide child sex offender network involving more than 25 countries,” it said.
“The case will be presented and several representatives from Eurojust, Europol and from some of the involved Member States will be present and willing to answer questions from the media.”
Reference:
Europol, “Media Invitation: Joint press conference: Worldwide child sex offender network dismantled”, 31.10.07. www.europol.europa.eu, (2.11.07)
Flandersnews, “Paedophiles targetted across the EU”, 1.11.07. www.flandersnews.be, (2.11.07)