THE Cyber and Digital Crime Unit (CDCU) of Cumbria Police has provided support in 206 online crime cases since April 2022, 104 of which are related to online child abuse.

Of the 104 investigations done by the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, Cumbria Constabulary made 60 arrests, issued 18 warrants and attended 26 safeguarding visits.

Since April 2022, 40 people have been charged with over 183 offences and 130 children have been safeguarded from online child abuse and exploitation.

One of the many success stories, following an investigation is the sentencing of an online predator to seven years and three months in jail.

Martin Cole, 32, of Greystone Place, Cleator Moor, admitted three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity: one of causing a child to watch a sexual act, three counts of making indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography.

He was grooming a young girl from outside of the county who he had met on Snapchat. 

He groomed her buying her clothes and gifts and sending her money in return for naked images of herself.

When officers searched Cole’s phone they found 5,805 illegal images – more than 500 of which were of the child he had been sending money to.

The CDCU has been busy investigating various types of cyber-crimes that involve fraud, blackmail, money laundering, and hacking.

In the past few months, the unit has dealt with ten cases that concern cryptocurrency theft or money laundering schemes with the use of cryptocurrency.

The CDCU has investigated £268,300, and their specialist capability allowed them to track and trace over £250,000 of cryptocurrency.

Despite their capabilities, the funds are outside of the UK, so the CDCU has yet to seize any money.

The unit's investigations have resulted in one perpetrator being jailed for 29 months for hacking.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, who funds the CDCU which opened in May 2019, said: “Technology is constantly growing, and criminals are using this to their advantage to commit crimes from the comfort of home.

"We funded the Cyber and Digital Crime Unit to provide Cumbria Constabulary with the specialist capability to investigate all forms of cyber-crime.

"The unit helps to identify those who need safeguarding and gather evidence to gain a sentencing in court. 

"This is a growing but generally unseen area of crime which can affect us all but in particular those who may not be generally aware of the dangers of internet enabled crime and the vulnerable.  I especially worry about children and the elderly who may be susceptible to scammers and online criminals.

"The CDCU do a fantastic job keeping us safe from some of the most heinous criminals, both in the county and out.

"Carrying out 206 investigations within a year is an incredible feat and now 130 more children have been safeguarded from experiencing online child abuse again, thanks to the dedication of the Officers and Staff within the unit.

"I look forward to seeing what the Unit achieve in the future.

"If anyone has been affected by online crime, please report it to the Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, and I would always urge anyone who is concerned about internet security to check the ‘Get Safe Online’ website for free advice.”