An informant for the Thailand Internet Crime Against Children (TICAC) program thought the group on the chat app seemed suspicious. His instincts were correct. For 150 Thai Baht, equivalent to $4.45, anyone could purchase a lifetime membership to the group and get access to a trove of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), much of it featuring a 12-year-old boy. Police undercover efforts and strategies successfully revealed the suspect’s identity and location. With that information, law enforcement got to work.
With support from Our Rescue’s Field Operations and Survivor Care teams, 15 members of the TICAC gathered for an early morning raid in a small village in the northeastern part of the country. Officials presented search and arrest warrants to the 33-year-old offender for the possession and dissemination of CSAM and the sexual exploitation of a minor under 15. The offender voluntarily confessed and confirmed the 12-year-old boy in the photo was his nephew. Officials also secured the offender’s phone and other devices containing CSAM as well as a bank book that documented membership fees he received.
Our Rescue and local authorities and social workers visited the boy’s house, located in the same neighborhood as his uncle’s. Authorities, with support from Our Rescue’s Survivor Care team, ensured the boy was safely taken to a secure place where he is now receiving care. Our team continues to monitor and support him as needed.
Funding Our Rescue’s work supports law enforcement in shutting down the spread of CSAM and helps survivors to get the care and services they need. You can donate to support our mission today!