THIRTY-TWO premises in Ireland have been searched during an operation targeting those who possess, import and distribute child pornography on the internet.
The third phase of Operation Ketch also saw the arrest of one man suspected of selling and facilitating the online distribution of child sex dolls.
He has since been released pending an investigation file being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Digital material, computers and mobile telephones were seized during the searches, which took place across 12 counties between September 27 and October 1.
Det Supt Declan Daly and Garda Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll (Image: RollingNews.ie)The operation is being coordinated by the Online Child Exploitation Unit at the Garda National Protection Services Bureau, under the direction of Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly.
Speaking after the searches, Det Supt Daly said they “will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in the possession, importation and distribution of child abuse material and who pose a danger to children within our communities”.
Over the three phases of Operation Ketch, more than 100 suspects have been targeted.
Phase one saw 38 premises searched in February, with a further 35 searched in July.
Child sex dolls were also seized during the July searches.
