In Thailand, a 24-year-old man was allegedly involved in sexual assault of a 9-year-old child and the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). To address this, a coordinated effort called Operation Barber was launched in collaboration with Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau’s Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (CCIB TICAC), Our Rescue, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) officials, and local child shelter staff.
Early in the morning, the law enforcement team searched the suspect’s residence and requested Our Rescue’s assistance. Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Winner assisted with the search for digital evidence and police recovered and seized one mobile phone. Our Rescue’s digital forensics specialist worked alongside law enforcement to assist the extraction of evidence from the suspect’s devices found to contain CSAM, though it did not include images of the 9-year-old child connected to the case. TICAC arrested him for possession of CSAM.
Nearby, the 9-year-old child was seen in a school uniform. The MSDHS and Our Rescue Survivor Care team immediately contacted the child’s mother and escorted them to the police station to formally press charges. The operation then split: one group accompanied the suspect to the police station while another retrieved a tablet from the condominium for further forensic analysis. At the station, TICAC questioned the suspect while social workers conducted interviews with the child and guardian to ensure safety and support.
The 9-year-old child continues to live with his parents who are able to care for him. Trained MSDHS social workers regularly follow up with the survivor and his family to support emotional and psychological needs.
Combining investigative expertise, forensic support, and on-the-ground care is what powers authorities to hold predators accountable and ensure children’s safety while preserving critical evidence for prosecution.
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