US DHS Expert Johan Claassen Delivers Powerful Cybercrime Awareness Presentation at Pretoria Place of Safety

Pretoria, South Africa – In a resounding display of international solidarity, Mr. Johan Claassen, a Senior Criminal Investigator and Computer Forensic Agent with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), captivated audiences at a Pretoria place of safety recently. His presentation formed a cornerstone of the US DHS awareness campaign, equipping citizens, law enforcement, and non-profits like Unchain Our Children (UOC) with critical insights into cybercrime dangers, red flags to spot traps, and essential reporting channels.

Renowned for his 32 years of law enforcement expertise – including 5 years with the South African Police Service and 27 years with US DHS – Mr. Claassen shared his unparalleled knowledge from investigating transnational organized crime, including online child exploitation, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and related human rights abuses. Certified in electronic evidence recovery, cryptocurrency investigations, and electronic financial crimes by the US DHS, he has testified in high-stakes cases worldwide. A regular instructor at the US International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Gaborone, Botswana – and beyond – Mr. Claassen has trained officers across Africa and Europe, often with live translations, on these very threats.

Unchain Our Children extends its profound respect and deepest gratitude to the US Department of Homeland Security in South Africa for their tireless dedication. Through expert-led initiatives like this campaign, US DHS not only empowers South African law enforcement with cutting-edge tools for joint operations but also bolsters NPOs, NPCs, and NGOs like UOC. Their incredible contributions have fueled synergistic takedowns of trafficking networks targeting child sexual exploitation across borders, resulting in arrests of perpetrators, victim rescues, and heightened awareness to shield the vulnerable. This partnership exemplifies excellence, inspiring UOC to serve children more effectively.

Unchain Our Children remains immensely grateful for America's unwavering support in dismantling these networks. US DHS expertise plays a pivotal role in joint operations with SA teams, prosecuting offenders, and preventing exploitation – a testament to shared commitment.

Adding prestige to the event was Jessica Erasmus, Mrs. South Africa 2025 Finalist and devoted mother, whose passion for children's wellbeing – particularly their unsupervised exposure to social media – aligns seamlessly with UOC's mission. Jessica pledged to amplify UOC's vital message across her platforms, further strengthening the fight.

Photo Credit: Jessica Erasmus Facebook Page

Unchain Our Children cherishes the US DHS's presence and transformative impact, standing united in gratitude for a safer future for every child.

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For more on how you can get involved or report suspicions, visit Unchain Our Children's website and Facebook page: www.unchainourchildren.org.za and https://www.facebook.com/UnchainOurChildren

To report child abuse call UOC Crisis Centre:  067 323 7116