A property in Clare is one of 23 across the country where Garda searches have taken place as part Operation Ketch.
It’s the latest phase of an on-going search and recovery operation targeting suspects involved in the possession and distribution of Child Pornography through Social Network sites or File Sharing Networks.
Gardaí attached to the Online Child Exploitation Unit and the newly established Divisional Protection Service Units and local Detective Units executed warrants to search the addresses between Friday last and Monday.
Digital material has been seized for forensic examination at all of of the addresses, including the property in Clare, and Gardaí are continuing to Liaise with the Child & Family Agency, regarding any child protection concerns that arise.
A video is also being produced to help teach children and teachers on the best practice.
The 3 minute video, #BeInCtrl, which will be shared across social media was created to complement the ‘Be in Ctrl’ teaching resource.
The purpose of the video, depicting the stories of two teenagers subjected to online sexual coercion and extortion, is to advise young people of such criminal behaviour, to raise awareness as to how young people may protect themselves online and to advise where they may find help and support.
The ultimate aim of the programme is to help young people stay ‘in Ctrl’ of their online lives.