More than 600 suspected sex predators arrested in 15 months

More than 600 suspected sexual predators have been arrested in the last 15 months, according to Police Scotland.

The arrests took place across the country between April 2024 and July 2025.

It comes after the Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation unit carried out 863 investigations, “protecting” 815 children from being exploited online.

According to estimates by the Childlight global child safety institute, around 150,000 children in Scotland are subjected to at least one form of online sexual abuse.

Ahead of the new Online Safety Act, which comes into effect on Friday, July 25, requiring websites to take stronger measures to protect children online, Police Scotland is re-launching its online child sexual abuse prevention campaign.

Get Help or Get Caught is in partnership with the Lucy Faithfull Foundation and proactively targets those at risk of offending.

Detective superintendent Nicola McGovern said: “Children are increasingly using games, apps, sites and streaming services and living more of their lives online.

“That means it’s never been easier for strangers to connect with children and on some platforms, it can take just 30 seconds for a predatory adult to contact a child.

“Online child sexual abuse and exploitation through technology is an increasing problem in Scotland and officers from our National Child Abuse Investigation Unit work tirelessly to prevent children becoming victims and we will use all means at our disposal to search for and identify offenders.

“Any measures that protect children online should be welcomed and our deterrence campaign work with partners gives us the chance to prevent abuse before it happens, by diverting potential perpetrators from committing offences.”

Stuart Allardyce, director Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland said: “The reasons for viewing sexual images of children or engaging in online grooming are complex, and many people recognise that what they are doing is wrong. Often, they feel trapped in a cycle of compulsive behaviour.

“Seeking individualised, anonymous, and non-judgmental support is absolutely the right step to take.

“We work with hundreds of people who are worried about their sexual thoughts or behaviour online or who have been arrested for offences involving children.

“We can help you stop and move on from offending or potential criminal behaviour, helping to protect and keep children safe.”