Raid in Lower Bavaria: 17 suspects caught for child pornography!

Raid in Lower Bavaria: 17 suspects caught for child pornography!

In the Dingolfing-Landau, Landshut and Kelheim districts, 17 people are currently the focus of the investigation. On July 17, 2025, the Landshut Criminal Investigation Department searched several homes, supported by the Landshut public prosecutor's office and a data carrier sniffing dog. This large-scale raid was initiated on suspicion of the possession and distribution of child and youth pornography images and videos. The period of the alleged crimes ranges from 2020 to the beginning of 2025, while the suspects are between the ages of 15 and 80.

A total of 16 men and one young person were targeted, against whom search warrants were issued by the Landshut and Straubing district courts. It is important to emphasize that, according to Polizei Bayern, the perpetrators acted independently of each other in many cases and no arrests were made in this operation.

A dangerous game

During the searches, the police seized significant evidence: 11 cell phones, 2 tablets, several notebooks and PCs as well as over 50 different storage media. These developments are particularly alarming because possession of images of abuse is a criminal offense and distributing such content can result in very high penalties for suspects. According to BR, unauthorized possession could even be punished with a minimum prison sentence of one year.

The police also want to make everyone aware that anonymity on the Internet does not protect against prosecution. It should be noted that the possession or distribution of child and youth pornography constitutes serious criminal offenses. Anyone who receives videos or images should contact the police immediately. These topics must be taken seriously because such prohibited content is also often shared on social networks.

Protection and prevention

The investigators strongly recommend using digital communication responsibly. This includes not deleting content, but rather taking it to the police if suspected. It is recommended to check memberships in confusing chat groups and disable automatic saving of image and video files. Parents also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between digital privacy and protection for their children. Checking cell phones and limiting online times are important measures to ensure a safe environment.

Such investigations are becoming more frequent, especially in Lower Bavaria, and the police will continue to take active action against the distribution of child and youth pornography content. Anyone who has information on this topic or may be affected themselves can also use the “Don’t Become a Perpetrator” initiative. This offers anonymous and free support for people with pedophile tendencies, which can be a first step towards help and change.