Child abuse images investigation leads to 13 arrests in Scotland

Thirteen suspected paedophiles in Scotland have been arrested as part of a six-month operation conducted across the UK.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed this morning that 660 suspected paedophiles, including teachers, doctors, care workers and former police officers, had been arrested UK-wide.

The investigation resulted in more than 400 children across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland being ‘safeguarded’ from harm, the NCA said.

The NCA said 39 registered sex offenders were among those arrested, while officers searched 833 properties and examined 9,172 computers, phones and hard drives.

The operation, involving 45 police forces and led by the NCA, targeted people accessing indecent images of children online, though the tactics used have not been revealed.

It comes as Police Scotland confirmed more than 300 suspected paedophiles have been arrested north of the border since the single service went live last April.

Detective Superintendent Steven Wilson, Specialist Crime Division Cybercrime unit, said: “The internet has created an environment where criminals seek new ways to exploit the most vulnerable. Sadly children and young people can be amongst those who become their victims.

“Police Scotland has worked tirelessly to proactively utilise all available new technology to combat the threats posed by online offenders, bring them to justice and protect those who are at risk of falling victim to abuse and exploitation.

“Those who believe that the internet offers anonymity to exploit children should understand that there is no hiding place, every contact leaves a trace which we will investigate to bring offenders before the courts.”