Global cooperation best way to tackle child sex abuse: US envoy

Police investigated 140 cases involving child sexual abuse material since 2020, says Sun Xueling

- Andrew Wong

Children are facing a greater risk of being sexually exploited because of new technologies, and it is challenging for the authorities to prosecute the predators.

And the best way for international law enforcement to tackle this is to work together, said US Ambassador to Singapore Jonathan Kaplan on Sept 16.

He was speaking to about 180 officers and participants at the opening of the Child Forensic Interview Regional Workshop at the Police Cantonment Complex.

The five-day event ends on Sept 20. Its opening was attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling.

The workshop is organised by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the US Department of Homeland Security and probes transnational crime and threats.

These include criminal organisations that exploit global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move.

In his speech, Mr Kaplan said children are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation.

He said: "Unfortunately, our children face more dangers than ever because of new technologies. These technologies, such as live streaming, give criminals unprecedented reach in harming our kids."

He noted the rise of social media and online gaming platforms has allowed predators to communicate with children globally.