The founder of the UK's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre Jim Gamble has said the investigation into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland will have many layers.
There are over 185,000 members of the Presbyterian Church in 500 congregations on both sides of the border.
Last week the church's moderator, Rev Trevor Gribben, resigned after an internal report found "serious and significant failings" in safeguarding within the church between 2009 and 2022.
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The PSNI also confirmed that it has spoken to An Garda Síochána about the possibility that there could be victims on both sides of the border.
It also announced that a dedicated investigation team has been set up and appealed to victims to come forward.
Mr Gamble said pathways have been opened in Northern Ireland for victims and survivors of any form of faith-based abuse to reach out directly to the police.
It is understood that more than ten alleged victims have already come forward but police believe the final figure could be significantly higher.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he added that he hoped the PSNI engaged with victims and survivors’ advocates to provide interim support to people who have come forward.
"There are several layers to this, and from a criminal investigation point of view, anyone that's obstructed an investigation or taken steps that would assist an offender is likely to come under the microscope of either An Garda Síochána or the PSNI investigation," Mr Gamble said.
"In any faith-based environment, and I know from my experience over the last number of years with Church of England, where you have charismatic individuals, where you have people of deep faith, where you have some vulnerable individuals, whether they're children or adults, who can be seduced by levels of charisma by people who aren't all they appear to be, then there's opportunity to commit crime," he added.
Mr Gamble, who is currently CEO of the INEQUE Safeguarding Group, said the safeguarding of the Presbyterian Church needs to be examined and questioned whether it was fit for purpose.
"The safeguarding arrangements from an operational perspective, from the centre of the Church and where you should have safeguarding professionals, to the front line in everybody's parish or presbytery where you have volunteers, you need to be reassured that that works and that it's got sufficient capacity," he said.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland said it would be co-operating fully with the PSNI investigation.
A spokesperson said: "Having been informed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland that they have launched a criminal investigation, we welcome this believing it will provide a thorough, trusted and transparent outcome. We will co-operate fully with the investigation.
"We will make available all relevant files, reports and information to assist police with their inquiries.
