The police who snared the ringleaders of Scotland's biggest paedophile ring ran a "world class" operation, the Justice Secretary told MSPs.
Kenny MacAskill was addressing Holyrood following the sentencing a week ago of James Rennie and Neil Strachan.
Both were handed life sentences for catalogue of child abuse and pornography offences, while six other members of their network were previously jailed for a total of 43 years.
Mr MacAskill told MSPs on Thursday: "These truly appalling crimes were uncovered and the perpetrators successfully brought to justice thanks to the outstanding work of the police officers and prosecutors involved.
"As a society we are deeply grateful for the work they do, day-in day-out.
"It was a case of global dimensions and shows we have a world class police service."
The former lawyer hailed Operation Algebra which snared the culprits as a "landmark and historic" case. The wide-ranging police probe involved officers from Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency as well as a number of other agencies.
Mr MacAskill said he had met with members of the operation and received a clear message from officers.
He said: "To offenders, or potential offenders - the law enforcement agencies are after you and they will get you.
"Anybody who views such material on the internet in Scotland faces the very real prospect of being caught and prosecuted and punished severely."
However, there have been questions about how Strachan was able to commit the crimes when he was already known to the authorities and was on the sex offenders register.
The Justice Secretary said he had now read a review compiled by police, NHS and council chiefs which examined the circumstances of the case.
He said it did not include any recommendations for the Government on legislation or guidance.
However, he insisted: "We will work with the responsible authorities to help disseminate any operational lessons that need to be learned."
Changes currently being brought in through the Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill will tighten restrictions on sex offenders and could see them forced to provide more household and social data such as an email address.
They would also be forced to divulge if they were living in the same house as a child.
Mr MacAskill also said the Government would consider extending a scheme currently being piloted in Tayside, which allows parents to find out from police if someone in contact with their children is a sex offender.
An evaluation of the pilot to determine how successful it has been is being undertaken.
Last updated: 05 November 2009, 16:30
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