Charity slams inaction on paedophile ring
The Gardaí were today criticised for failing to act on a warning that two people in the country were linked to a 2,300-strong worldwide paedophile ring.
Leading children’s charity Barnardos said it was concerned that the computer users, who are alleged to have looked at disturbing videos and pictures of young children being abused, would be aware a garda investigation is now under way.
Children from five to 14-years-old are said to be subjected to what officials described as “the worst sexual abuse” ever seen.
Austrian police revealed on Wednesday they had broken up the child-pornography ring, which involved 2,300 people in 77 countries around the globe.
The details of two Irish people involved in the network were sent to officials in Dublin almost six months ago.
However, gardaí, who initially denied having the information, this morning said they now regret not acting at the time.
“We are really disappointed that our gardai here did not pick up the transmission from the Austrian police back in August 2006 and did not immediately identify it as something they had to get more information about,” said Norah Gibbons, of Barnardos.
“Even if you accept that the message transmitted was unclear, we would like everybody who sees the words 'child abuse' to be immediately aware that it is something they need to find out more about and not just leave it to one side.
“To secure convictions in this area you need meticulous police work, which they have proven before they are able to do with Operation Amethyst a few years ago.
“It is something the gardaí can do, but they have to do it very carefully so cases are not thrown out on a technicality.”
Operation Amethyst saw the homes and businesses of over 100 people suspected of downloading child pornography raided in simultaneous searches in May 2002.
Ms Gibbons said it was concerning that the latest computer users know an investigation is being launched.
“Since Wednesday it’s been out that this particular ring has been broken up and we are concerned that will alert the people here to get rid of their computer,” she continued.
“There may be an opportunity missed here to catch the people who want to engage in this type of abusive criminal behaviour.
“Sometimes people forget – because it’s the internet it’s not real – but it is real. The image means a child has actively been abused.
“The children being abused are getting younger, the setting in which they are abused is becoming more and more domestic and the types of abuse as described in this pornography ring are getting more and more horrific.”
A Vienna-based internet service provider tipped-off detectives last July that eight pornographic videos had been uploaded to its file-share facility without its knowledge.
The graphic material had been uploaded to the internet from Britain and files contained a link to a larger Russian-based website which recorded more than 8,000 visits in 24 hours.
Authorities tracked down 607 suspects in the US, 406 in Germany, 114 in France and 72 in Britain.
An Garda Síochána confirmed that on the 22nd August, 2006, the Interpol Office at Garda headquarters received information from the Austrian authorities that they were processing reports of child pornography on the internet.
It is believed Ireland is the only force in Europe not to have acted on the information.
“Ireland was included as one of the 72 countries named,” said a force spokesman.
“It is regretted that it was not auctioned at the time.
“It is understood that a large number of other countries named are in a similar position due to the general nature of the circulation on the Interpol network.
“Immediately Garda management became aware of the information in recent days an investigation was directed.
“Garda investigators have been in contact with the Austrian authorities and specific details have been sought to allow a proper investigation to take place in this jurisdiction to establish if any crime(s) was / were committed here.
“The information is awaited from the Austrian authorities.”
No arrests have been made in Ireland.
