This headline from the Guardian yesterday reflects the alarming conclusion of the latest reports from the NCA. Where previous estimates of the number of Britons with a sexual interest in children had been estimated at 20,000, new figures suggest the true number might be more than seven times higher at over 140,000. The report also shows an 700% increase in referrals to the NCA for this crime type over the past five years.
The NCA and Police forces already have a huge task in front of them dealing with this crime, and these new figures suggest that the pressure is only going to increase. This only re-enforces our view that doing more of the same can’t work, and that is why we are not just offering more of the same. We offer innovative solutions to help teams under pressure cope in a world where demand for their services is increasing exponentially.
If you work in law enforcement and would like to find out more about how Cyan Forensics’ technology can super-charge your investigations into online child abuse, please contact us for a demo.
The NCA’s report shows:
-
- There are nearly 2.9 million accounts registered on the worst child sexual abuse sites on the dark web worldwide – more than 5% of which are from offenders based in the UK. Some of the more extreme forums require users to upload first-generation (new) indecent images of children to gain access. This raises the risk that offenders will commit and record contact offences to access these forum
- The number of referrals to the NCA from industry of online child sexual abuse and exploitation have increased by 700% since 2012
- 3.5% increase in sexual offences against victims under 18 in Northern Ireland, financial year 2016/17– 2017/18 – an example of a broader UK-wide increase
- Live streaming remains a key threat, with UK based offenders paying overseas facilitators to abuse or arrange sexual abuse of a child, directed by the offender via webcam. This is one of the main forms of financially driven offending, for which the Philippines remains a key hub.
Data Source: NCA National Strategic Assessment , NCMEC By The Numbers