KUALA LUMPUR: A seven-nation anti-paedophilia operation has led to the arrest of 69 people in Malaysia, including government servants, says Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
He said Op Cyber Guardian, an international effort involving countries such as Malaysia, Japan and Brunei, was carried out nationwide from April 6 to 8.
“A total of 101 targets were identified, with operations conducted across all 14 police contingents.
“A total of 339 police personnel were deployed, along with 24 officers from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Inspections were carried out at premises as well as on digital devices,” he said.
A total of 69 people, aged from 15 to 66, including two accomplices identified during the raids, were arrested. They comprised individuals from various backgrounds, including teenagers and government servants.
Police also seized 126 items, including two sex toys.
The operation uncovered 204,934 files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and 293,760 files of adult pornography.
Overall, Op Cyber Guardian identified 445 individuals linked to paedophilia-related activities.
Investigations also revealed a commercial element, with CSAM being bought and sold.
Including previous local anti-paedophilia operations conducted since 2024, police have seized a total of 1,470,694 CSAM files and arrested 117 suspects.
In the latest operation, 62 suspects have been charged in court.
“Three have already been sentenced to jail terms ranging from three to seven months.
“Another 19 suspects have admitted guilt and are awaiting sentencing, while 11 have claimed trial,” he said.
When asked whether suspects were involved in producing such material locally, Mohd Khalid said investigations are ongoing.
“We are still determining whether any individuals in Malaysia are producing such content. So far, the seized material is believed to have been sourced abroad and later sold for profit.
“Further investigations are ongoing to identify the networks involved,” he said.
Mohd Khalid added that suspects used digital platforms, including encrypted communication applications, to access, store and distribute the material.
“Some acted as group administrators, offering access to CSAM for a fee via e-wallet transactions and QR codes, indicating a clear commercial element.
“This crime is no longer isolated but has evolved into an organised, profit-driven activity,” he said.
He also said that online child sexual exploitation crimes are becoming increasingly complex, organised, and involve wide networks, thus requiring intelligence, enforcement and strategic cooperation at both national and international levels.
