22 suspected pedophiles arrested in Israel nationwide raids
More detentions expected after undercover operation tracked individuals who allegedly harassed and abused children online
Police arrested 22 suspected pedophiles in raids overnight Monday across Israel.
The arrests capped a three-month-long undercover operation that identified 31 suspects, police said in a statement.
The evidence indicated crimes of indecent acts and sexual harassment against children on the internet.
“We take a very serious view of any harm to
minors or those who are helpless, and that includes crime in the virtual
space,” the statement said.
Dozens of officers raided the homes of the
suspects, arrested them, confiscated their computers and cellphones, and
gathered other evidence, police said.
Officers will later in the day request an extension of their detention and more arrests are expected. According to police, the suspects, all men, were aged 24-60 and most have no criminal record.
Israel Radio reported that there was apparently no coordination or other connection between the suspects.
Police said that despite the difficulties in
acting against cyber-criminals, it uses advanced technology to “bring to
arrest criminal pedophiles who prey on our children online and endanger
their physical and emotional welfare.”