Cambodia is hosting an International Judicial Police Forum, which brings together judicial police officers, the Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia, and international experts, to address the issue of online crimes against children, with the help of advanced technology. 

The forum, organized by the Child Protection Unit (CPU), opened today, September 25, at the Hotel Cambodiana. 

More than 60 police officers, primarily from Phnom Penh and Kandal province, are attending the three-day event, which aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of law enforcement.

“Online child sex offending is a global issue, and Cambodia is a part of the global policing community that is combating these crimes,” said James McCabe, CPU director of operations.

“This forum aims to enhance their skills and make them aware of technologies that can assist them in this challenging field,” he added.

The rise of internet-related crimes, particularly those involving child exploitation, has become a global issue, and Cambodia is no exception. 

The forum’s focus on technology is crucial, given the increasing complexity of crimes that are often transnational and digitally facilitated. 

Through presentations, discussions and training sessions, attendees will be exposed to the latest tools and methods available to tackle these offenses effectively.

The forum is a crucial step in Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to protect children from online exploitation. 

“It will demonstrate current and emerging investigative methods that Cambodian law enforcement agencies can utilise to collaborate with international efforts whilst concurrently supporting domestic capabilities,” said Nick Rose, deputy director of the CPU. A former Australian federal police officer, he heads up the CPU’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) team. 

The CPU, with its multi-faceted approach involving specialised teams and international cooperation, represents a new standard in child protection.

Its work over the past decade, coupled with the knowledge shared in forums like this, ensures that Cambodia will continue to improve its capabilities to safeguard children from online predators.

Their work has led to the investigation and resolution of over 2,617 major crime cases – including more than 300 homicides – since its inception.

In one of the latest online cases, three children were rescued and a Swiss national arrested after a two-month investigation with Swiss Federal Police into child sexual abuse in Phnom Penh. 

Between September 26 and 28, 2023, investigators executed search warrants at multiple locations, seizing a wide range of evidence that included mobile phones, cameras, laptops, film lights, lubricants and medication.

The role of technology

One of the main topics of the forum is the use of digital forensics to identify and apprehend offenders. 

Digital forensics, an essential tool in modern policing, allows investigators to gather and analyse online evidence efficiently. 

Cyacomb, a UK-founded company specialising in forensic software, presented its tools, which allow law enforcement to sift through vast amounts of digital evidence far quicker than traditional methods. 

These tools have proven effective in identifying child exploitation material on devices, accelerating the investigative process.

"This forum is about raising awareness and increasing the capacity of Cambodian law enforcement in digital forensics and investigation,” explained Rose.

“The knowledge shared here will be crucial in fighting not just child exploitation, but all kinds of internet-enabled crimes,” he added.

International cooperation and expertise

The international scope of the issue requires cross-border cooperation. Experts from several countries, including Australia, the UK, and the US are in attendance, sharing their experience and tools with Cambodian law enforcement officers. 

Former chief judge of the Australian Federal Circuit Court, John Pascoe, and representatives from the US Department of Homeland Security and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) are among the key speakers. 

The IWF, a UK-based charity, plays a major role in monitoring and reporting child sexual abuse material on the internet globally.

Cambodian deputy national police commissioner Moung Sothea said the forum is a great opportunity to share new experiences and knowledge on investigative techniques and forensic evidence to Cambodian judicial police officers.

The presentation included digital DNA evidence, legal protections, child protection in the legal system, future case studies of defence, causes of death, morality in the legal system, sources of autopsy evidence and law in the media.

“This is about sharing experiences with each other on investigative techniques with Cambodian and international law,” he said. 

“The investigators and guests from Australia will demonstrate special techniques. We can share in-depth research skills at the scene, plus modern techniques,” he added.

Since its founding in 2013, the CPU, in partnership with the Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) and the Cambodian National Police, has worked to bring offenders to justice while protecting vulnerable children. 

In 2019, the CPU established Cambodia’s first dedicated unit to tackle internet crimes against children, which has since handled more than 100 investigations.

A growing threat in Cambodia and globally

Cambodia has experienced a troubling increase in online crimes against children in recent years. 

According to the CPU, internet-enabled exploitation of children is an emerging threat in the country. 

The ICAC team has been at the forefront of efforts to combat these offenses. 

The ICAC team has investigated 118 cases of online child abuse since its creation, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding children and bringing offenders to justice.

“Internet and child exploitation crimes can be complex and can occur anywhere in the world,” warned McCabe. 

“Obtaining knowledge on how to investigate such crimes and building an understanding of the extent of these crimes can assist in the detection and apprehension of persons who commit such crimes,” he added.

McCabe emphasised the need for adaptability in an ever-changing world, highlighting that the forum will provide an opportunity to establish key foundations. 

He noted that this includes equipping police officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to apprehend offenders, as well as ensuring that victims receive adequate support within the judicial system.