The international police operation codenamed “Karika” has reopened one of the most sensitive and dangerous issues of modern digital society – the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation via the Internet.
As part of this extensive operation, six people were arrested on suspicion of crimes related to the sexual exploitation of minors, child pornography and misuse of social networks. The operation has an international character and, in addition to police agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is also being carried out by the Serbian police.
Arrests in several cities
B. A. and P. D. from Bijeljina, D. T. from Lopare, D. N. from Ugljevik, E. M. from Gradačac and B. V. from Serbia were arrested. During searches at several locations in Bijeljina, Lopare, Ugljevik and Gradačac, computers, mobile phones and other digital devices were seized.
“After criminal processing, five persons were handed over to the jurisdiction of the District Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bijeljina, along with a report on the committed criminal offenses, due to the existence of grounds for suspicion that they had committed criminal offenses in the past period of time – Exploitation of a computer network or communication by other technical means to commit criminal offenses of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under Article 178 of the Criminal Code of the Republika Srpska, Exploitation of children for pornography under Article 175 of the Criminal Code of the Republika Srpska and Introducing children to pornography under Article 177 of the Criminal Code of the Republika Srpska. The other persons included in the investigation are being intensively searched for,” the District Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bijeljina stated.
Suspicions of long-term exploitation
According to the investigation, the suspects contacted children aged 13 and 14 over a long period of time, asking them for explicit photos and content of a sexual nature. They are also suspected of sending pornographic content to minors and trying to organize meetings with children. Investigators also allege that they were part of groups and networks in which child pornography was shared.
Legal advisor at the Lara Foundation Slađana Milovanović pointed out that the question of the perpetrators’ motives is being raised.
“The question arises whether those people who participate in such crimes do it for pleasure or whether some have found a way to make money,” said Milovanović.
The Internet as a space of risk
While the other individuals involved in the investigation are being intensively searched for, experts warn that the Internet is no longer just a space for entertainment and communication, but also a place of serious threats to children.
“Our children are not protected on the networks, they are exposed, so we appeal to parents to exercise increased supervision over the use of phones and other means of communication, especially when it comes to registering on social networks,” Milovanović emphasized.
The interlocutors warn that cases of sexual exploitation of children via the Internet are no longer isolated incidents, but a serious social problem that requires a stronger response from institutions, but also greater responsibility from society.
The need for a stronger response
Attorney and founder of the Children’s Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina Duško Tomić warned that the problem is often underestimated.
“Don’t forget that we also have high authorities who are pedophiles. How do we, who are fighting against such ‘high authorities’ in the church and politics, get by? We are barely saving our lives. And tell me which of the pedophiles, and there are some in high positions, has been convicted – a professor who was recently released,” said Tomić.
The police are continuing their investigation into this case, and after analyzing the seized digital equipment, more details are expected about the connections between the suspects and the scope of the criminal network.
The public now expects answers and concrete measures that will contribute to greater protection of children in the digital space, Federalna writes.
