Child abuse probe leads to 77 arrests as police identify over 500 potential online victims

OPERATION Lattise has resulted in 77 arrests, recovery of 30 million indecent images and the identification of 523 potential victims, some as young as 3.


MORE than 500 children have been identified as potential victims of online sexual abuse during a major police investigation.
As many as 30 million indecent images were recovered during Police Scotland's Operation Lattise which has resulted in the arrest of 77 people so far.
Charges included rape, sharing indecent images of children, some as young as three, sexual extortion and grooming.


Of the 523 "victims or potential victims", 122 have been referred to child protection services.
The operation was carried out between June 6 and July 15, and involved 134 investigations
The six-week operation drew together resources from across Police Scotland, including prevention, investigation, local policing and specialist teams.
Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "Online child sexual abuse is a national threat, the reality is it is happening now, not only in Scotland but across the world, to children of all ages, from infants to teenagers.

"Operation Lattise was about shining a light on the scale of this issue, it was focused activity to tackle the many forms of online child sexual abuse by identifying those who pose a risk to children online and, more importantly, identifying victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation, as well as preventing more youngsters becoming victims.

"Let me make it clear: child sexual abuse and exploitation, which can range from sharing images depicting the rape, sexual torture or assault of a child to grooming or sexually extorting a child, takes place solely because of decisions made on the part of the abuser.
"Online child sexual abuse is not a victimless crime: children, from toddlers to teenagers, are being sexually abused and exploited now in Scotland and when an image or video clip is shared or viewed, they are being re-victimised.
"Police Scotland is committed to keeping children safe and the protection of children was absolutely at the heart of Operation Lattise.


"All children have a right to protection against abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence. We will continue to work with our partners to protect and promote the wellbeing of all children.
"Our commitment to tackling this horrific threat will continue."
Early years minister Mark McDonald said: "Children and young people should be able to enjoy and learn from the internet, but we also want them to stay in control and know what to do and who to go to if they feel at risk.
"Keeping children safe is a priority for both Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, so although there are many positive aspects to the online world I recognise, there are also risks we have to be aware of.
"The outcomes of the operation will help to inform our child protection improvement programme, where child internet safety and tackling child sexual exploitation is a priority."

Read more at http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/child-abuse-probe-leads-77-8521410#sUwPsxVRWZ5vuGrr.99



Been away for a lovely weekend, but was quite surprised not to see this topic on here, it's utterly huge and there is still more to come.



Read more at http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/child-abuse-probe-leads-77-8521410#sUwPsxVRWZ5vuGrr.99