CRC Technology Assists in Arrest of Man Involved in Online Child Abuse Network

A man from the Ostalbkreis district has been arrested under suspicion of watching and giving instructions on the sexual abuse of children in Asia through live online streams. The 60-year-old is now being investigated by the Baden-Württemberg Cybercrime Center in Karlsruhe and the Aalen Criminal Police for sexual abuse and exploitation of children and the production of child sexual abuse material.

According to investigators, the man from Ostalbkreis was not only watching live abuse of children in the Philippines but allegedly also provided instructions for the abuse to occur. Authorities have dismantled a pedophile network centered around a woman in the Philippines, who was reportedly offering live broadcasts of horrific acts of abuse in exchange for payment.

Crucially, the investigation and arrest was aided by CRC technology*. Devices seized by Philippine authorities played a critical role in tracking down the suspect in the Ostalbkreis district. The Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office then took over the investigation. During a search of the 60-year-old’s apartment, several data storage devices were found and seized by investigators. Mike McGonigle, Director of Special Projects & Industry Outreach at CRC, commended the teamwork: “Great job by the Baden-Württemberg Cybercrime Center, the Aalen Criminal Police, and Philippine authorities. CRC remains dedicated to creating and providing technology that helps law enforcement identify, arrest, and prosecute live-stream offenders. We greatly appreciate our collaboration with our global law enforcement partners who are actively combating this form of child sexual abuse.”

The man is now in custody, and the children affected by the abuse in the Philippines are under the care of local authorities. Additionally, several other investigations are ongoing in Baden-Württemberg, targeting individuals who are also alleged to have watched live-streamed abuse from the same network in the Philippines. CRC technology continues to aid in identifying and apprehending those involved in these horrific crimes. Thank you to the Tim Tebow Foundation for your support and collaboration towards this arrest.

*Child Rescue Coalition (CRC):

This organization provides free technology to law enforcement agencies to help protect children from Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and identify individuals involved in the possession and distribution of such material. 

7 SMART HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS - CHILD RESCUE COALITION

 

7 SMART HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

When the seasons change and the pumpkins appear, it can only mean one thing, Halloween. It’s kids’ favorite night of the year! Costumes and masks, candy and more candy, and late nights trick-or-treating. But that also means more people lurking in the streets and online looking to see where children may be.

So before the sun goes down on October 31st, make sure to read these Seven Halloween Safety Tips, and plan ahead for a safe and fun-filled evening.

7 SMART HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

1. Use Apps for Safety: Apps such as Red Panic Button and AT&T’s FamilyMap provide ways to quickly locate your child in case of an emergency. Also Life 360 may be the most popular app to track children, and allows you on nights like Halloween to invite a circle of friends to track as well.
2. GPS Tracking Device – If your kids don’t have phones, Safewise has a great list of GPS tracking devices that can be used for your kids. These will give older kids and tweens more independence but give parents more security of their well-being.
3. Use a Sex Offender Search App: Family Watchdog is a free website service to help locate registered sex offenders in your area. Or you can activate your smartphone’s GPS and connect to the National Sex Offender Registry to locate registered sex offenders and predators in the area. You can search by name, address, and zip code, and results will be displayed on an interactive map. The app is free and easy to share with fellow parents to ensure your child’s trick-or-treat route is safe.
4. Establish Boundaries: Mobile navigation tools can assist parents and kids in creating routes to follow and others to avoid. You can also use the Next Door app to create a neighborhood watch. Also, remind your child to only trick-or-treat at well-lit houses, and to remain on the porch within street view at all times.
5. Create Lines of Communication: Save ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers in your child’s speed dial. Include your number, a neighbor’s and/or a grandparent’s. Also, be sure your child knows how to dial 911 and can provide important information such as street, location, and landmarks.
6. Use Reflective Materials: Have your child wear or carry something that glows in the dark. You might choose a glowing necklace, a glow-in-the-dark treat bag, or a flashlight. You can even put reflective tape on a costume.
7. Don’t Go Anywhere with Strangers – Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car, even if they have a cool haunted house they want to show you. Stay outside unless a responsible adult is with you.

Halloween is a night that celebrates all that’s scary but we don’t want to frighten our kids away from having fun. By implementing some smart safety strategies and providing awareness, all kids and parents can have a safe and fun Halloween!

For more information on Child Rescue Coalition and how to keep kids safe online, visit www.childrescuecoalition.org. And read more posts like this on our education page!

Don’t forget you can like us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful online safety tips!