CBI searches 77 locations across 14 states as part of crackdown on online child sexual abuse

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a countrywide search as part of its crackdown against online child sexual abuse. The agency searched 77 locations across 14 states.

The CBI has filed 23 separate cases on the allegations related to online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

During the searches, the CBI detained ten accused and is likely to apprehend more later in the night.

“Initial findings suggest that network spread across various continent and nationals of Pakistan, Canada, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Indonesia, Azarbejan, Saudi Arabia, Yaman, Egypt, Ghana, America, UK and Belgium are involved,” said CBI in a statement.

A special unit “Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention/ Investigation (OCSAE)” was created in CBI for matters pertaining to online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“As per initial information collected there are more than 50 groups having more than 5000 offenders sharing child sexual abuse material. Many of these groups also have involvement of foreign nationals. It is initially learnt that there may be involvement of nationals of around 100 countries spread across various continents,” the agency said.

“A number of electronic gadgets/mobiles/laptops etc. have so far been recovered during searches,” it added.

The CBI said that it is coordinating with its sister agencies through formal and informal channels to carry out the investigation.