MORE arrests and searches are likely to occur following the third phase of a Garda operation into the distribution of child pornography.
Operation Ketch is a national strategy that is proactively targeting those living in the community who possess, import and distribute Child Abuse Material (Child Pornography) on the internet.
Last Thursday, Gardai launched phase three of their operation and carried out six days of searching 32 properties across 12 counties including properties in the Mid West.
A number of arrests were made including one individual who was targeted for selling child sex dolls.
To date, more than 100 properties across a number of counties have been searched since February by detectives attached to Operation Ketch which is coordinated by the Online Child Exploitation Unit (OnCE) at the Garda National Protection Services Bureau (GNPSB).
Divisional officers attached to Protection Services Unit carried out the recent batch of searches which led to the arrests.
It is now anticipated that further arrests will be made after digital material, computers and mobile telephones were seized in the course of the operation.
The items will be sent for forensic examination and Gardai are also preparing files for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Operation Ketch is designed to identify child protection concerns and engage with Tusla, the Child and Family agency, as well as targeting people suspected of possessing, importing and distributing online child abuse material.
Senior Gardaí have stated that protecting children and vulnerable people is one of their highest priorities.
