In a national action against the possession and distribution of child pornography, the police warned 95 people and seized more than four hundred computers and other data carriers for criminal investigation. The National Police made that announced on Monday.
The police say they receive a large number of reports about downloaders and distributors of child pornographic images. The 95 people who received an official warning from the police had child pornography in their possession, downloaded and/or distributed, but are not suspected of making child pornography or playing a role in the trade in child pornography on the (dark) web.
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The fact that the police choose the relatively mild means of an official warning is partly due to the scarce capacity of the police where investigative choices have to be made. In addition, according to the police, scientific research shows that a warning for the group that only downloads child pornography is effective. “Through early intervention, we want to prevent these people from taking their activities a step further,” says detective Annemiek van Noord of the National Unit’s Combating Child Pornography and Child Sex Tourism Team in an explanation. “It is known from science that people who start downloading can grow into abusers.”
Anonymous helpline
If the warned persons make the mistake again, an investigation will be initiated against them. Part of the warning was also a reference to Stop it Now, an anonymous telephone helpline and chat for people who have sexual feelings towards minors.
The homes of 55 other people were searched and more than four hundred computers and other data carriers were seized. A criminal investigation is underway against them.