Quantico, Va. - Special Agents from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Pacific Field Office, led a multiagency proactive online undercover law enforcement operation targeting child sexual predators in Hawaii from May 19-21, known as “Operation Keiki Shield,” that resulted in the arrest of six individuals on charges related to sex offenses against children.
The operation is an ongoing effort under the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which aims to track down adults who prey on children. Since 2019, the Hawaii ICAC Task Force has arrested more than 108 individuals in similar operations.
“This was an opportunity for law enforcement partners at all levels to collaborate in a shared interest of protecting our children from those who prey on the most vulnerable,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Kelly, Army CID Pacific Field Office. “While this operation was a success, we will continue to work with our partners to keep our kids safe.”
“Our primary focus is protecting the Navy and Marine Corps communities here in Hawaii,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Greenert of the NCIS Hawaii Field Office. “This was a great joint effort dedicated to stopping the online exploitation and trafficking of minors.”
By raising awareness and fostering a culture of vigilance, communities can play a pivotal role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities, providing crucial support to potential victims. Furthermore, education remains a fundamental tool in combating child exploitation. By empowering children with knowledge about their rights, personal safety, and appropriate online behavior, we can equip them with the tools to identify and respond to potential dangers. Schools, parents, and communities must work together to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue and provides a safe space for children to seek help.
Operation Keiki Shield 18 involved officers, agents, and intelligence analysts from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of the Marine Corps Criminal Investigation Division, Coast Guard Investigative Service, United States Secret Service, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii County Police Department and the Hawaii Department of Public Safety Narcotics Enforcement Division.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigations, no further information will be provided at this time.
For more information about CID or to report a crime, visit www.cid.army.mil.