The Brussels Prosecutor’s Office has carried out search of numerous properties as part of an investigation into the possession and distribution of images of sexual abuse of children. At total of 52 case files were opened. In 28 of them evidence of criminal activity has been found. 4 people are now in custody and several others have been charged and released under strict bail conditions.
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4 people arrested in investigation into the possession and distribution of images of the sexual abuse of children
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The Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office's spokeswoman Laura Demullier told VRT News that "The investigations were launched thanks information received from abroad that showed that several IP addresses located in Brussels were involved in downloading these photos and videos."
"With the assistance and under the coordination of specialised police officers from the Brussels Federal Judicial Police’s Computer Crime Unit, the Brussels Prosecutor’s Office’s cybercrime section opened 52 cases.
During the series of searches, investigators seized 158 computers, 225 external hard drives, 323 USB sticks and memory cards, 9 servers and 160 mobile phones and tablets. “In total, no fewer than 600 terabytes of data were seized. Thorough analyses are of the footage is still ongoing”.
More than 300 detectives
More than 315 police officers from all 6 of Brussels' local police services and the Brussels Federal Judicial Police have worked on the case this month and last.
“The protection of children, wherever they may be, is at the top of the public prosecutor's list of priorities. Any possession or download of a photo or video of the abuse of children contributes to the sexual exploitation of children. The Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office remains vigilant for this form of crime and is using all available means to combat it”, Ms Dumullier said.