Major child exploitation network busted: Talal Chaudhry

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry announced on Tuesday that Cybercrime department has busted a criminal gang network from Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir which was involved in the sexual exploitation of children. 

Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad with Director General of Cybercrime, Waqaruddin Syed, the minister revealed that videos of child abuse from the network were being sold on the dark web and distributed globally through platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. 

DG Waqaruddin Syed further disclosed that a German national is suspected to be the leader of the international network. Authorities were actively working to apprehend him with support from Interpol.

He confirmed that punishments for child sexual exploitation have been enhanced and reiterated that the Cybercrime Wing receives daily complaints, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and expanded digital law enforcement. 

The minister emphasized that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is aimed at protection, not censorship, and is not meant to curtail journalistic freedom.

He underscored the need for regulating social media, stating that proper oversight is essential in today’s digital age. He highlighted the recent achievement of the cybercrime wing in exposing a serious criminal operation, adding that the government intends to establish cybercrime offices in every district to better tackle such issues.