The police arrest two child molesters. Here’s how you can help catch more perpetrators

Europol’s police authority leaves no stone unturned to investigate the most serious crimes against the weakest members of society: Online campaign Track an object Citizens can help solve cases of child sexual abuse.

The aim is to identify victims and perpetrators based on objects and clothing seen on seized images and video material.

Three children rescued

Europol’s victim identification task force reported the rescue of three sexually abused children in a press release on Friday. The international investigations have also led to the arrest of two criminals.

33 specialists from 26 countries took part in the Europol initiative to identify victims and perpetrators. According to the announcement, participating countries include Switzerland, Germany, Italy and France.

Europol regularly publishes new image series on this website with (harmless) details of images from unsolved cases of child sexual abuse.

This is done in the hope that someone will recognize a detail that will help determine the whereabouts of the victim. No idea is too small, they say.

Tips can be submitted via a secure form on the Europol website. “Out of respect for the victims,” we recommend that you do not post personal information (recognizable images, names, etc.) on social media platforms or anywhere else online.

Do not use the term ‘child pornography’.

Europol advises media people to use the term ‘child (sexual) abuse material’ and not ‘child pornography’ in their reporting. Because:

Since 2014, Europol has regularly brought together victim identification experts from around the world to focus on unsolved cases of child sexual abuse, the statement said. More than 695 children have already been rescued and 228 perpetrators have been arrested.

The superhero campaign

Europol recently called on citizens to help track down the fifty most wanted criminals in Europe.

A list of fugitive criminals was published in The Hague. They are wanted for serious crimes such as murder, human trafficking and armed robbery, as well as for devastating cyber attacks.

This campaign has the motto “Could you be our new hero?”, T-Online reports. Four superhero comics have been written based on real cases. Those responsible hope they will be diligently distributed via social media platforms.

Sources

(dsc)