Dutch police arrest suspected serial child abuser

Dutch police have arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of sexually abusing as many as 50 very young children at childcare centres in Amsterdam, and for the distribution of child pornography.
 
The man worked as a substitute carer in at least two pre-schools in the city. He also offered a baby-sitting service online. Authorities say they received a tip off from the United States.
 
Bernard Welten, Amsterdam’s police chief, gave the following information:
 
“During questioning, the suspect spoke of the abuse of tens of very young children. The severity and scale of abuse varies. In a number of cases the abuse was recorded on film.”
 
The suspect’s partner, a 37-year-old man, has also been taken into custody on suspicion of possession of child pornography. He is not suspected of any abuse.
 
Police published a photograph of the main suspect, an unusual move as privacy laws prevent photos of suspects from being distributed in the Netherlands.
 
Investigators said it was published to reassure the thousands of parents whose children were not affected. Investigations are ongoing and police expect more arrests to follow.

Copyright © 2012 euronews