Police on Friday said they had arrested 13 men as part of an anti-child pornography operation which also involved forces in Singapore, South Korea, Britain and Australia.

A total of 272 people were arrested in the five jurisdictions, on suspicion of possessing images of abuse or procuring children to make pornography.

At a press briefing, acting senior superintendent Hui Yee-wai said police in Hong Kong seized 21 computers, nine smartphones and 75 external storage devices as part of their investigation.

Hui said none of the victims were from Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, senior inspector Kwok Sze-wai said the number of child pornography cases in the SAR has been increasing in recent years, with 63 recorded in 2023.

Kwok said in some cases, offenders use social media platforms, online games and messaging apps to find children to abuse.

“Therefore, as parents and guardians, it is crucial for us to understand and assist our children in developing healthy online habits. We must protect our children and prevent them from becoming victims,” she said.