Malaysia police uncover 17yo teen earning nearly US$18,000 from child abuse material trade
Malaysia’s Royal Police (PDRM) have revealed that a 17-year-old suspect earned RM76,000 (approximately US$17,900) within nine months trading child sexual abuse material online. The arrest was part of Op Pedo, a nationwide operation that led to 31 arrests and the seizure of 82 digital devices.
- A 17-year-old Malaysian suspect earned about RM76,000 (US$17,900) in nine months distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
- Police arrested 31 individuals, including teachers and students, in a nationwide crackdown known as Op Pedo.
- Over 880,000 digital files were uncovered, with suspects aged between 12 and 71 years old.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have uncovered a disturbing trend in which minors are participating in the online trade of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), with one 17-year-old suspect earning approximately RM76,000 (US$17,900) within the first nine months of 2025.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail disclosed the findings during a press conference on 24 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, following the conclusion of Op Pedo — a nationwide operation targeting producers and distributors of CSAM.
The operation, conducted between 22 and 30 September 2025, spanned 37 locations across Malaysia and involved 206 officers and personnel from PDRM’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
According to Mohd Khalid, 31 individuals aged between 12 and 71 were arrested out of 37 identified suspects.
The group included teachers, engineers, graphic designers, chefs, university and school students, and unemployed individuals.
Thirty of the suspects were Malaysians, while one was a foreign national.
Authorities seized 82 digital devices, including computers, mobile phones, modems, and external drives. More than 880,000 digital files containing CSAM were discovered during forensic examinations.
Seventeen of the suspects have already been charged in court, while 14 were released on bail pending further investigation.
Fifteen suspects have pleaded guilty and were fined between RM1,000 and RM10,000, while two others chose to contest their charges.
Investigations were opened under multiple legal provisions, including the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Section 292 of the Penal Code, and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The suspects reportedly used platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and the dark web to exchange illicit material.
Some served as group administrators offering paid access to CSAM via e-wallet or QR code transactions using local payment systems such as Maybank and Touch ‘n Go.
Mohd Khalid described the findings as deeply alarming, particularly the involvement of individuals in trusted positions, including religious teachers.
“The spread of such content has gone beyond individual deviance — it has become a commercial activity motivated by profit,” he said.
“That’s a very dangerous development, especially when we’re seeing teenagers actively participating.”
Authorities have urged parents, educators, and community leaders to remain vigilant and to educate children on online risks.
The MCMC is expected to enhance digital surveillance and community awareness programmes to curb the online exploitation of minors.
