Gardaí reiterate concerns over online groups after Creeslough incident

Gardai have again reiterated that the actions of online groups targeting alleged child predators could jeopardise possible criminal proceedings.

It follows an incident in County Donegal this week where a man was targeted in a “sting” operation by individuals from a group.

While An Garda Síochána has said that it is “aware of an incident that occurred in Creeslough” on Tuesday evening and that “enquiries are ongoing into this matter”, Donegal Live understands that a male taken into Garda custody for questioning has since been released without charge.

In such circumstances, a file would usually be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

A video, which runs for over one hour, of an interaction between group members and an individual has been widely shared on social media. In the video, various allegations are put to the man.

“It is An Garda Síochána's role to investigate crime and enforce enacted legislation,” a Garda spokesperson told Donegal Live. 

“Every citizen has a constitutional right to innocence until proven guilty and be subject to a human rights based criminal investigation.

 The safety of children, is a priority at all times for An Garda Síochána and An Garda Síochána use all lawful means to fully investigate and prosecute crimes which jeopardise the safety of a child.”

The spokesperson said that actions by private groups “are a cause of concern for An Garda Síochána and for other police services”. 

Groups such as these are known pose as minors in an attempt to ensnare possible offenders before arranging a meeting, at which point they confront the person. 

The interactions are recorded and posted online, attracting huge viewing numbers.

The Garda spokesperson said: “The activity engaged in and the manner of confrontation between such groups and their targets has the potential for violence and could result in harm to persons present. 

“There are concerns over the legality of the actions and the manner in which such groups operate, and how they interact with their chosen targets prior to and during the arranged meeting has the potential to affect future criminal proceedings.

 “An Garda Síochána would urge anyone with information relating to the potential sexual exploitation of children to report it immediately to An Garda Síochána where it will be investigated by professional investigators.”