Police involved in international operation to save children from paedophiles

New Zealand Police have been working with international agencies since June 2009 to close down a major global paedophile ring which involved some New Zealanders.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Michael, officer in charge of the Online Child Exploitation Across NZ unit (OCEANZ) said to date six people have been charged with offences relating to paedophile activity, five having already been convicted with one still awaiting trial. Two of those charged have had previous convictions for sexual offending.

"This has been a major international operation. We have also been working in close collaboration with New Zealand Customs and the Department of Internal Affairs to bring these people to court," said Mr Michael.

As a result of this operation 16 children have been safeguarded and three have been saved having been offended against after being identified in photographic evidence revealing New Zealand victims.

Given the sensitive nature of this type of operation Police will not be providing any details of individual cases.

Mr Michael said this operation is still ongoing to identify further suspects and provide protection for victims and potential victims.

"This is an insidious crime and one we are working hard to combat. We would encourage anyone who has evidence of this type of activity to contact us as soon as possible. Any information supplied to us will be treated in strict confidence."