Justice Minister welcomes joint PSNI/ NCA operation

Justice Minister, David Ford has praised a joint PSNI/NCA operation to bring perpetrators of child sexual exploitation to justice.

Joint PSNI-NCA operation

The ongoing operation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the National Crime Agency has led to 25 arrests of those involved in accessing indecent images of children online and also to the safeguarding and protection of children. It is the first joint operation of this type since the extension of the NCA’s powers here.

David Ford said: “Child sexual exploitation is among the worst crimes committed in our society. It has a devastating effect not only on the child involved but also their family.

“Through this joint operation the PSNI and NCA are sending a clear message to anyone involved in this despicable activity that they can, and will, track them down and bring them to justice.

"This is a very positive example of the added benefit of having the National Crime Agency fully operational in Northern Ireland, bringing additional expertise to the ongoing work of the PSNI in tackling the dreadful crime of child exploitation”.

Notes to editors: 

1. For all media queries, please contact the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

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