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Israeli police conducted a large-scale social media sting operation and arrested 28 suspects of child molestation, The Jerusalem Post reports .
Law enforcement officers in the city of Gliloit exposed and detained 28 people who were sexually exploiting children via the Internet. The undercover operation took place on social media, including Instagram and WhatsApp, the Israeli police said on Tuesday, 11 February.
How the special operation worked
The police posed as minors in popular messengers to get on the trail of the criminals. The suspects, realising that they were communicating with children, sent them sexually explicit messages, photos and videos, and committed lewd acts in front of the camera. Some tried to force the “teenagers” to send intimate materials or offered personal meetings.
Raids and arrests
On the morning of 11 February, more than 200 police officers from the Tel Aviv District, together with border units, conducted large-scale searches across the country. During the raids, law enforcement officers seized mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices containing evidence of criminal activity.
The investigation is ongoing
All 28 detainees are suspected of committing numerous sexual offences and exploitation of children. The investigation is ongoing, and police are checking possible accomplices and the scope of the criminal network.
Law enforcers urge parents to be attentive to their children’s online communication and remind them of the dangers of online dating.
