Local police struggle with online child abuse cases

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Police forces across the country are struggling in their fight against online child abuse following a change in how such crimes are handled.

A study by yesterday’s NZZ newspaper shows the cantons are dealing with more suspected cases than ever before. 

Since last year, instead of the Federal Police Office handling investigations – it’s now passed to the cantons. Many lack the expertise or staff to deal with the cases. 

The head of the Swiss Child Protection Association, Regula Bernhard-Hug, says handing these complex cases to small local forces is ‘insane’. 

She has support in parliament. Liberal MP, Andri Silberschmidt, says the flow of information between the cantons is insufficient and points out it’s likely authorities in Zurich would have more information about suspects in Belgium than they would from a neighbouring canton due to the Schengen policy of sharing information. 

He says the Federal Council needs to intervene immediately.

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