Mumbai man arrested with 20,000 child sexual abuse images, videos on phone

Maharashtra Cyber Police have arrested a 49-year-old man from Mumbai’s Malad (West) after reportedly finding over 20,000 photographs and videos containing Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) stored on his mobile phone, officials said.

The arrest followed intelligence-based surveillance and technical analysis by the specialised units of Maharashtra Cyber, which detected suspected online activity involving the downloading and storage of such material.

According to Maharashtra Cyber, its teams received actionable intelligence about an individual suspected of downloading and storing CSEAM on his electronic device during routine monitoring of online platforms.

Following the inputs, officials initiated a detailed technical investigation using advanced cyber intelligence tools to identify the individual and establish the nature of the suspected activity.

The investigation led to the identification of the accused as Saiffudin Jamir Uddin Malik, 49.

Based on the preliminary enquiry and intelligence gathered, Maharashtra Cyber registered a case under Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The accused was subsequently apprehended from Malad (West) in connection with the case.

During the examination of his mobile device, investigators recovered more than 20,000 photographs and videos containing material related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

The substantial volume of material has prompted investigators to undertake an extensive forensic examination to establish the extent of the suspected offence and trace the digital trail associated with it.

Officials said the ongoing investigation is focused on determining the source of the material, the manner in which it was downloaded and stored, and whether it was shared, transmitted or circulated through online platforms.

Investigators are also examining the possibility of other individuals being involved in the case. The forensic analysis of the seized electronic device and associated digital evidence is expected to provide further leads.

Maharashtra Cyber has reiterated that downloading, possessing, sharing, transmitting or circulating material depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children constitutes a serious criminal offence under applicable laws.

The department has warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals found engaging in such activities.

The department operates three specialised units to monitor digital platforms, gather intelligence and take action against offences targeting women and children.

According to Maharashtra Cyber, these units have handled more than 5.67 lakh cyber tipline reports and 31,000 Online Child Exploitation Complaints (OCEC), highlighting the scale of its efforts to combat online child exploitation.

Maharashtra Cyber has urged citizens to report instances of online child sexual exploitation, circulation of CSEAM or suspicious digital activities involving children through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in), the national cybercrime helpline at 1930, or its headquarters at Mahape, Navi Mumbai.

With the forensic examination underway, investigators are now seeking to establish the origin and possible circulation of the recovered material.

Further developments in the case are likely to emerge as the agency examines the digital evidence and pursues additional leads.- Ends

Divyesh Singh is one of the leading crime journalists in the country. A seasoned investigative journalist with experience of over 15 years in journalism covering Crime, Internal security, Defence, Central Agencies, and Rural issues, he has a number of exclusive breaks and investigative stories to his name. Presently working with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Aajtak / India Today based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Some of his stories to recall are 'Confessions of members from radical organisation in a bomb blast case in which they had been acquitted, Fodder scam in drought affected areas of Maharashtra, Crypto currency scam worth hundreds of crores ,Financial scam targeting US citizens, Black-marketing of life saving Covid19 drugs'. Many such investigations have been appreciated by law enforcement agencies and he has been awarded and appreciated twice by the Maharashtra police for helping the agency crack two serious cases, one a financial scam worth crores and another a double murder case. His coverage in the actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case brought to light the facts in the case, while reported a series of exclusives in the Yes Bank DHFL case and Iqbal Mirchi case on India Today / Aajtak. His coverage on crime underworld and narcotics has been extensive and indepth.