KUALA LUMPUR: Four people, including a civil servant, have been detained by the police for alleged possession and distribution of over 50,000 child sexual abuse materials, says Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police said the other three were an accountant, a web designer and a telecommunication company trainer.
The suspects are aged between 26 and 49 years old.
He said all were detained following a joint operation on March 20 involving six countries and headed by a team of police from Singapore in Ampang Jaya, Kajang, Shah Alam, and Penang.
"The operation took place between Feb 24 and March 28. Other countries involved were Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.
"In total, 435 individuals were detained over the suspicion of distributing child sexual abuse materials," he told reporters during a press conference on the Cyber Guardian operation in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur, here Friday (April 4).
Ayob said the syndicate's modus operandi was to use electronic devices to access, store and distribute these materials via online, including using the Telegram app.
All suspects, he added, are being investigated under the Child Act and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act.
He said so far, four investigation papers have been opened and two cases have been brought to court.
