A 72-year-old Swiss man, identified only as Arthur, was arrested in Chon Buri, Thailand, over alleged possession of child pornography.
Authorities are also investigating claims that he sexually abused his six-year-old daughter for more than two years.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested the man in Bang Lamung district on Tuesday (10 Nov) under a joint operation codenamed “Bitter Choc”.
Source: DSI
The investigation began after the organisation Free A Girl USA contacted the DSI about foreign nationals suspected of producing, possessing or distributing child pornography and sexually exploiting children in Thailand.
This led them to Arthur, who lived in Pattaya with his Thai wife and their six-year-old daughter, Elsa (pseudonym).
The DSI claimed that he frequently took the child to entertainment venues in Pattaya at night.
Furthermore, it said it found proof that Elsa had been sexually abused continuously for more than two years, adding she showed behaviour that was not consistent with her age.
Additionally, it revealed that Swiss authorities had previously investigated Arthur over suspected child sexual abuse, but there was insufficient evidence to build a case at the time.
Further probe led investigators to discover that Arthur possessed material linked to child pornography.
He was also found to be close with other foreign nationals similarly suspected of child sexual abuse in Pattaya and other provinces.
The DSI said members of this group often met at entertainment venues.
Staff at these places reportedly grew suspicious after the individuals would take girls into toilets and stay there for a long time.
Authorities are investigating whether these individuals may be connected to a wider child sexual exploitation network.
However, authorities have so far not announced any findings establishing that such a network exists.
On Tuesday, officers arrested Arthur outside an international school in Bang Lamung.
The warrant concerns alleged possession of child sexual abuse material for the sexual benefit of himself or others.
Source: DSI
Investigators also searched Arthur’s home in Bang Lamung and seized numerous electronic devices and biological evidence, which will undergo forensic examination.
Source: DSI
Arthur was subsequently taken to the DSI headquarters for questioning before being brought to the Criminal Court for remand proceedings.
Meanwhile, Elsa has undergone a physical examination and psychological assessment by officials from the Forensic Science Institute.
A multidisciplinary child protection team is also overseeing her safety and welfare while investigators gather evidence.
Source: DSI
Authorities said she would undergo a specialist forensic interview designed to reduce psychological harm and avoid repeatedly questioning her about the alleged abuse.
The DSI urged anyone with information about child sexual exploitation or child sexual abuse material to contact authorities.
They also warned the public not to publish information that could identify the young victims.
Also read: 2 men arrested in S’pore after Italy busts group sharing child abuse material over Telegram
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Featured image adapted from DSI.