Hamstrung: Trapping NZ internet paedophiles

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Wed, 03 Nov 2010 8:30p.m.

Steve Waugh is a cop who catches paedophiles

Steve Waugh is a cop who catches paedophiles

60 Minutes speaks to a NZ policeman who poses as a teenage girl online to trap paedophiles. He's very good at it, and very successful.

But the law says he's not allowed to do it.

Karen McCarthy finds out why.

Watch the video.

Producer: Chris Wilks
Reporter: Karen McCarthy
Camera: George Murahidy
Editor: Paul Enticott

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Comments

18 Nov 2010 11:45p.m.

stevie wrote:

yes i agree with jo,these scumbags need to be in prison for life or on deathrow...

12 Nov 2010 02:57a.m.

Ancuta wrote:

Hire a professional Romanian hacker that deals with law enforcement. They will sort out these sicko's out there and lock them in prison for life. I guarantee you it would take little time for a professional Romanian hacker take down a pedophile. One of my friends is a professional hacker that works for the Romanian Foreign Agency - he's busting foreigners like nobody's business - all for just over €1400 an hour. The United States want him hired, Europol want him poached to catch foreign criminals from around the world. My Romanian friend could do things on a computer that would make this cop's jaw drop. On a different note, I fully support Mr Waugh's intentions and goals. The more we eradicate these scum pedophiles off our planet the better and the safer children will be without fear. Children, minors and teenagers should never have to live in fear. Its a crime for children, minors and teenagers to be scared just to access the internet. They should never ever have to face the reality of being vunerable online. This police officer is truly an inspiration to making the digital world a much more genuine, secure and environmental friendly atmosphere for all, including families of all backgrounds. Well done Mr Waugh!

10 Nov 2010 10:27p.m.

mw wrote:

I agree with Jo. We can manipulate what "intent" or "real criminals" can mean all day long, but we have to recognize the nature of the crime - child grooming over the net is basically half way to completing the crime. The fact that the suspects are actively and voluntarily engaging should be enough, intent should be about what the SUSPECT believes. Besides, what would Alan and Zelda propose - a real child to be subjected to that in order to catch any of these crims? That totally goes against the idea of crime prevention.

06 Nov 2010 10:42p.m.

Jo wrote:

Alan and Zelda's comments are concerning. Perhaps Steve Waugh needs to check up on them? Any adult who thinks that engaging a child in sexual activity is ok whether online or not should be in treatment or prison. They are real criminals.

05 Nov 2010 12:36p.m.

Alan wrote:

Steve Waugh is wrong. You can't prove intent. Maybe the Kiwi guy wanted sex with an undercover policeman masquerading as a 14 year old girl.

04 Nov 2010 03:53p.m.

zelda wrote:

This guy should be trying to catch real criminals instead of trying to make people into criminals