^macro[html_start;FBI Reports on Global Investigation of Internet Pedophiles;FBI Reports on Global Investigation of Internet Pedophiles;FBI Reports, Global, Investigation, Internet Pedophiles, cybercrime, computer crime] ^macro[pagehead;img/library.gif] ^macro[leftcol] ^macro[centercol;


FBI Reports on Global Investigation of Internet Pedophiles


Source: Usinfo.state.gov
Washington File
Date Written: May 9, 2003

Stop Cybercrime (Operation spearheaded by UK's National High Tech Crime Unit) (550)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on May 8 announced its participation in the global investigation into a pedophile ring known as "The Brotherhood" that operates over the Internet.
The operation was called "Operation Twins" and was led by the United Kingdom's National High Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU), with the cooperation of Europol, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the police forces of Norway and Germany. The FBI said that so far, 60 people in 11 countries have been arrested and charged in relation to their participation in the network.
These results "illustrate an excellent example of how international law enforcement works in partnership, across multi-geographical jurisdictions, to identify and bring to justice those responsible for and engaged in serious sexual abuse of children," said British Detective Superintendent Mick Deats.
Following is an FBI press release:
(begin text)

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.
May 8, 2003


SOPHISTICATED PEDOPHILE NETWORK TARGETED IN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION

The FBI today announced its participation in "Operation Twins," an international investigation into a sophisticated and organized web-based pedophile ring operating on the internet. Led by the United Kingdom's National High Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU), "Operation Twins" was conducted with the full support and cooperation of the FBI, Europol, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Norway Police, and the German Police (BKA).

Beginning in 2001, the NHTCU, working with the FBI, spearheaded the international operation to target and dismantle this major pedophile network and community called "The Brotherhood."

To date, 60 people in 11 countries have been arrested and charged in relation to their participation in this pedophile network. Among those arrested were bulletin board owners, systems administrators, and those who monitored the bulletin boards and provided sophisticated technical and security advice to members, including information on how to avoid detection by law enforcement. The FBI's involvement resulted in one arrest and eight searches in eight states. Overall, nine FBI Field Offices participated in "Operation Twins." Investigative efforts are ongoing.

"Operation Twins demonstrates a strong international law enforcement commitment of working together to protect children from sexual predators," said Jana Monroe, Assistant Director of the FBI's Cyber Division. "This operation should serve as a stern warning for those who prey on our children. We will work diligently, with the help of our law enforcement partners around the world if necessary, to investigate e-groups, bulletin boards, and other mediums that foster the exploitation of our children."

[Full Story]



News Archive

^macro[showdigestcomments;^uri[];FBI Reports on Global Investigation of Internet Pedophiles]
] ^macro[html_end]