Authorities in Florida have announced an operation targeting an international child pornography ring, with charges filed against eight individuals within the United States. Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed that the investigation, conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, focused on advertisements circulating on social media platforms that sold extensive amounts of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized the importance of prosecuting those involved, stating: "The arrests of these predators are just the beginning. Every image of child abuse leaves a lasting scar on an innocent life, and we will aggressively prosecute these heinous crimes. It’s disgusting that child sexual abuse material is advertised in plain view on apps such as TikTok, and we will continue fighting to get these major social media companies to do their part in shutting down the spread of this material. I’m grateful for our FDLE partners who uncovered this deviant network and highlighted their sickening actions. Our Statewide Prosecutors will ensure these disgusting criminals face justice."
The investigation revealed a network overseen by Mehmet Berk Bozuyuk, based in Turkey, which facilitated the distribution of CSAM to buyers, including eight men in America. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement collaborated with other agencies to identify these activities through a proactive review of websites used for distributing child pornography. An advertisement on one of these websites offered over 6 terabytes of material for $100. In response, authorities seized the website's domain to disrupt further access.
Mark Glass, FDLE Commissioner, underscored the collaborative effort, saying, "This case is a testament to the power of law enforcement teamwork and the strength of interagency collaboration. To the criminals believing they can hide among the shadows of the internet—know this: FDLE is always watching, we are always working, and we will always find you."
Among the arrested individuals was Krunal Kumar Nareshbhai Modi from New Jersey, facing accusations related to racketeering and money laundering. The others, predominantly Florida residents, are charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering and other felonies associated with purchasing child pornography.
Authorities have also issued arrest warrants for Bozuyuk and Xiomara Del Real Maqueda in Oregon. Maqueda faces charges relating to conspiracy to commit money laundering, while Bozuyuk faces numerous charges connected to his alleged role as the ringleader.
Special Counsel Rita Peters from the Office of Statewide Prosecution will lead the case against those charged.