On 11 June 2024, FRC member Nadine El-Dekmak presented at the webinar series: Solutions to Counter Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation organised by the CYCLOPES Project. Her presentation, titled “The Legal Aspects of Undercover Investigation and the Legal Use of the PCG,” was based on FRC's work conducted in the context of the HEROES Project.
Presentation abstract
With the rapid advancement of information and communication technologies, the commission of technology-facilitated crimes such as child sexual abuse/exploitation and human trafficking has become increasingly prevalent. Offenders exploit these technologies to access multiple potential victims simultaneously, often using fictional profiles to build deceptive relationships. To effectively combat, investigate, and prosecute these crimes, it is essential for law enforcement to stay ahead of technological developments.
The HEROES Project aims at developing new tools that enable law enforcement to employ special investigative methods in tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Based on the work conducted under this project by FRC, this presentation focuses on the legal and ethical dimensions of these investigative techniques, ensuring that law enforcement can use these tools without infringing on the fundamental rights of individuals under investigation or third parties.