Child pornography ring suspected in Albertine Leo’s kidnapping case

A child pornography ring might be involved in the kidnapping of Albertine Leo.

While the motive for the girl’s abduction is still unclear, investigators are zeroing in on one of the five suspects. 

This development follows the discovery of child pornography and sex toys at the home of the 31-year-old suspect, who is the fifth suspect in the case. 

The suspect is suspected of being linked to a child pornography ring operating on the dark web.

The police chose not to release further information to prevent disrupting the investigation.

Johor police chief Commissioner M. Kumar said the police are determined to pursue the case further and not just close the case after the girl’s rescue.

“From day one, this case did not sit right with me. We kept digging deeper (after the suspects were arrested),” he told NST.

“We’ll conclude our investigations soon before we bring the suspects to justice,” he said, adding that further details could not be revealed at the moment. 

Media reports reported that police had rearrested the fifth suspect, who had previously been released on bail for the kidnapping. 

Kumar said that the suspect is currently under investigation for accessing or possessing child sexual abuse materials, in accordance with Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

If deemed culpable, he could receive a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both. 

Additionally, he is under investigation for possessing obscene materials under Section 292 of the Penal Code, which could result in up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.

Kumar advised parents to closely oversee their children’s activities and emotional health to identify and prevent sexual crimes against minors.

He also urged the public to stay updated on crime trends and to educate their children about potential dangers, especially those related to social media.

Anyone with information should reach out to the Johor police hotline at 019-2792095 or contact the operations room at 07-2212999.

Leo disappeared during an event at Eco Galleria in Iskandar Puteri on the evening of Saturday, July 20.

On July 22, police apprehended four suspects—two men and two women, aged between 28 and 55—in Iskandar Puteri and Johor Bahru.

The next day, July 23, Albertine was discovered unharmed at a budget hotel in Batang Kali, Selangor, about 370 kilometres from her last known location.

During the operation, authorities also arrested a 31-year-old man who was found in the same hotel room as Leo.