SPF | Police Life | Fight against sex trafficking and child exploitation

Discover how the SPF’s Specialised Crime Branch works with law enforcement agencies around the world to tackle criminals who prey on vulnerable groups.

By: Domnic Dass

With its team of dedicated and highly trained officers, the Specialised Crime Branch (SCB) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) works tirelessly in the darkest corners of the cyber domain, tracking down perpetrators, dismantling criminal syndicates and offering hope to victims exploited for criminal purposes. In an exclusive interview with Police Life, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Michael (not his real name), Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Vice and Sex Trafficking Investigation Team of the SCB, shares insights into these efforts.

From chat room to courtroom
DSP Michael, who joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 1993, has led SCB’s sex trafficking investigations since March 2013. He explains the team’s unique mission: “We play a critical role in investigating cases involving human trafficking; viewing and possession of child abuse material; and sexual exploitation of children.”

A major investigation led by DSP Michael in 2015 involved an offender, Michael Frank Hartung, who was marketing sex tours. In a wide-ranging operation, agents uncovered the offender’s illegal activities, including organizing foreign tours for the purpose of commercial sex with minors.

Hartung offered to facilitate these illegal activities and met with the undercover agents. These interactions yielded crucial evidence against him. In July 2019, he was convicted on two counts of disseminating information to promote commercial sex with minors and sentenced to five and a half years in prison.

“He was later convicted of possessing obscene films and given an additional 12 weeks’ jail term,” DSP Michael explained. “Crimes against children cannot be tolerated. Singapore takes a serious stance on child sexual exploitation and abuse, and those caught engaging in such activities will be dealt with severely, in accordance with the law,” DSP Michael stressed.

Global Partnerships
Notably, DSP Michael is the first SPF officer to receive training in navigating the Dark Web, providing him with specialist skills and knowledge to take action against online perpetrators who prey on the vulnerable.

“Perpetrators continue to use technology and the Dark Web to operate across borders,” he explained. “These perpetrators may also be part of organized crime groups that conduct transnational operations. Such activities can be difficult to detect and dismantle, which is why we work closely with law enforcement agencies around the world.”

These global partnerships have borne fruit. In February and March 2024, the CID, along with the seven Land Divisions, worked with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Korean National Police (KNPA) Agency on a five-week, cross-border enforcement operation. The effort arrested 272 individuals in three countries for online child sexual exploitation.

“We have established a robust network of international contacts to share intelligence and swiftly address transnational cases,” DSP Michael explained. “Singapore also enforces strict laws to combat child sexual abuse – anyone found in possession of or having access to child sexual abuse material and knowing or believing that the material is indeed child sexual abuse material can be jailed for up to five years and may be fined or caned.”

Sharper skills, objectivity and compassion
To improve their investigative skills, SCB officers study offender psychology and online grooming tactics. In addition, DSP Michael also facilitates specialized courses to equip officers with new investigative approaches, internet search strategies, and evidence collection methods.

In addition to skills training, officers are also trained in stress management, trauma awareness and empathy, which allows them to better connect with and support vulnerable victims. “We need to be aware of our own emotions in order to handle cases objectively and also compassionately,” says DSP Michael. “With determination and collective action, we can ensure that justice prevails.”

The SCB plays a vital role in maintaining law and order by targeting and dismantling criminal networks. Learn about the harsh realities of investigating vice and sex trafficking cases, two senior investigators who combat illegal gambling, and one of the SCB’s Cyber ​​​​Guardians!