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Coordinated Raids in Five German States Target Child Sexual Abuse Material

Forensic teams are now evaluating hundreds of seized devices to determine potential charges.

Overview

  • Police searched 325 apartments across Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, launching investigations into 317 suspects during an action week against sexualized violence toward children.
  • Berlin cases focus on 21 male suspects aged 15 to 74, with officers seizing 47 mobile phones, 48 computers and laptops, and 62 additional data carriers for examination.
  • In Upper Bavaria, investigators searched 23 properties tied to 23 suspects aged 13 to 80, securing more than 130 devices and two childlike sex dolls, whose possession is a criminal offense.
  • Brandenburg authorities report four investigations into suspected direct sexual abuse of children in addition to cases involving illegal images and videos.
  • Most suspects were identified, questioned and released as evidence processing continues, with officials noting a 2024 nationwide peak in such offenses and a near tripling of cases over five years.