Earlier, it was reported that a 29-year-old technician in Johor Bahru was arrested as the alleged mastermind of a pedophile ring that sexually abused babies and young children.
Police rescued five children, including two babies, and discovered the suspect had also abused other unsupervised children in his neighbourhood.
The operation, named Ops Pedo, ran from July 19 to August 19 and involved multiple Malaysian law enforcement agencies, as well as international partners.
Graphic Evidence Shocks Investigators
Recent updates reveal the extent of the abuse was far greater than initially reported.
Sources told the New Straits Times that the suspect allegedly abused about 15 children. Authorities recovered hundreds of images and dozens of videos showing sexual assault, described as so disturbing that even experienced investigators were left shaken.
“Grown men wept openly,” a source said. “These are officers who have seen the worst: murders, mangled bodies, and brutal crime scenes. But this, this broke them. The scale and cruelty were overwhelming.”
How the Suspect Operated
Investigations indicate the suspect targeted mothers seeking adoption, including foreigners and some Malaysians, through online advertisements.
With legal documents listing him as the father or guardian, he gained custody of the children and then abused them, recording the acts for online distribution.
He reportedly admitted to his crimes only after three days of interrogation, while his wife broke down in hysterics when informed of the allegations.
“He hid in plain sight. Nobody suspected him. That is what makes this case so disturbing,” according to the report.
Children Rescued and Placed in Care
All children involved have been placed in welfare homes and are now receiving counselling.
State Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail cautioned unwed mothers against handing over babies to strangers online.
She said such actions are illegal and put children at grave risk.
A public awareness campaign is expected to be launched soon to highlight the dangers and encourage single mothers, including undocumented foreigners, to seek help through official channels.
Wider Network and Ongoing Investigations
The investigation also uncovered a network of ten other individuals linked to the syndicate, including local and foreign caregivers who assisted in the illegal adoptions.
Authorities seized documents such as birth certificates, maternity record books, and identification cards, as well as laptops, mobile phones, and hard drives containing abusive material.
The main suspect is facing multiple charges under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, including producing, promoting, and distributing child sexual abuse material.
Five investigation papers have been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action, according to earlier reports.
Authorities Issue Warnings
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar confirmed that the police are collaborating with foreign agencies to trace the online spread of the material.
He warned parents and guardians to protect their children, noting that pedophiles often “hide in plain sight within communities, targeting children left unsupervised.”
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is assisting in identifying individuals who contacted the suspect through online ads.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Malaysian Police Rescue 402 Children from Welfare Homes in Nationwide Raids
Daughters Set Their Father on Fire for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Them
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