Singapore - Asian police forces nab more than 400 suspects in joint operation targeting online child abuse

435 people were arrested in a cross-border operation targeting online child sexual exploitation activities. (Photos, clockwise from top left: Singapore Police Force, Japan National Police Agency, Royal Thai Police and Korean National Police Agency)

SINGAPORE: Police officers from six Asian jurisdictions have arrested 435 people - including 21 men in Singapore - for their suspected involvement in online child sexual exploitation activities.

Police forces from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand conducted a cross-border operation from Feb 24 to Mar 28, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Friday (Apr 4).

An additional 109 people are also assisting with investigations, bringing the total number of people targeted to 525 men and 19 women aged between 13 and 68.

During the five-week operation, officers from the specialised crime branch of Singapore's Criminal Investigation Department, in collaboration with the five other police forces, conducted raids at 269 locations in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand.

Electronic devices, including 84 computers, 279 handphones, 32 tablets, 150 storage devices and 9 routers, as well as child sexual abuse materials created by generative artificial intelligence tools, were seized.

In Singapore, the 21 men - aged between 23 and 61 - were arrested for their suspected involvement in:

• Producing, possessing, gaining access and distributing child sexual abuse materials

• Sexual assault

• Threatening to distribute intimate images or recordings

• Sexual communication with a minor

• Sale and transmission of obscene materials

• Possession of obscene films

Possessing child abuse material carries a maximum jail term of five years, while distributing or selling such material is punishable with up to seven years' imprisonment. Both offences also attract a fine or caning.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a 43-year-old man allegedly paid a young female victim over the span of several years in exchange for her live-streamed sexual acts.

Another 24-year-old man allegedly engaged in sexual communication with another young female victim and they had exchanged intimate photographs with each other.

SPF said the man also allegedly threatened to publish her photographs online if she refused to share more intimate materials of herself.

The two victims are non-Singaporeans based overseas, said SPF.

The Singapore police said that 11 of the arrested suspects have been referred to the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme.

Social workers in the scheme will conduct social triaging on them and assess whether further intervention is needed, the police said.

Deputy director of CID, Senior Assistant Commissioner Yeo Yee Chuan, expressed his appreciation to all officers involved for their professionalism and tenacity during the operations.

“Crimes against children are unacceptable and must be actively prevented.

"With the internet and the rapid evolution of technology, the distribution of child sexual abuse materials has become faster, more widespread, and increasingly anonymous," he said.

Lincoln County Man Charged in TBI Child Exploitation Case

 

LINCOLN COUNTY – Special agents assigned to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Squad have obtained indictments charging an Ardmore man in connection to an ongoing child exploitation case.

In 2023, agents received a tip concerning a subject using the online messaging platform Kik to talk about sexually abusing children and share images depicting the crimes.  Agents subsequently identified Larry Cunningham (DOB 3-17-1961) as the person responsible for the crimes.

On March 18th, the Lincoln County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Cunningham with one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – Over 100 Images, two counts of Aggravated Sexual Exploitation – Over 25 Images, 32 counts of Especially Aggravated Production, 32 counts of Aggravated Unlawful Photography, 12 counts of Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure, and one count of Aggravated Child Abuse. Cunningham was booked into the Lincoln County jail on $1,000,000 bond. He subsequently bonded out of jail.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is an ICAC affiliate of the Tennessee ICAC Task Force. Anyone with information about these cases or other cases of online child exploitation should contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Tipline at 1-800-TBI-FIND, TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov, or report via the NCMEC CyberTipline at CyberTipline.org.

Parents seeking additional information about cybercrime, child exploitation, and how best to safeguard their loved ones can visit http://www.NetSmartz.org for a variety of topical, age-appropriate resources.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

NOTE: There may be individuals with information that could help with this ongoing investigation. For that reason, the TBI is releasing Cunningham’s booking photograph and urges anyone with information to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Washington Man Indicted on 11 Counts of Sex Trafficking Children, Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and Forced Labor

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Washington

Richland, Washington - Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on April 2, 2025, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Jonathan Michael Atkinson, age 34, with 11 criminal counts including Sex Trafficking Children, Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography, Online Enticement of a Minor, and Forced Labor. The criminal charges against Atkinson carry a maximum sentence of up to a lifetime in prison.

Atkinson was arrested on April 8, 2025, by the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, consisting of Homeland Security Investigations, Richland Police Department, Kennewick Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by Pasco Police Department, ATF and DEA. Atkinson will be arraigned in federal court on April 10, 2025.

“The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Washington will continue to aggressively prosecute all versions of human trafficking,” stated Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to seek justice for the most vulnerable among us.”

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable members of our communities and the most effective way we can dismantle these criminal networks is through strong partnerships,” said Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. “HSI is proud to work alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect victims, bring traffickers to justice, and put an end to this exploitation.”

If members of the public have any information regarding this case, please contact the Pasco Police Department.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Holland and Stephanie A. Van Marter.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

CyberTipline - NCMEC - Trinity Mount Ministries - REPORT CHILD ABUSE! REPORT CSAM! 1-800-843-5678

 

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                      Overview

NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service providers can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet.

Every child deserves a safe childhood.

What Happens to Information in a CyberTip?

NCMEC staff review each tip and work to find a potential location for the incident reported so that it may be made available to the appropriate law-enforcement agency for possible investigation. We also use the information from our CyberTipline reports to help shape our prevention and safety messages.

Is Your Image Out There?

Get Support

One of the worst things about having an explicit image online is feeling like you’re facing everything alone. But you have people who care for you and want to help. Reach out to them!

A trusted adult can offer advice, help you report, and help you deal with other issues. It could be your mom, dad, an aunt, a school counselor, or anyone you trust and are comfortable talking to. You can also “self report” by making a report on your own to the CyberTipline.

Families of exploited children often feel alone in their struggle and overwhelmed by the issues affecting their lives. NCMEC provides assistance and support to victims and families such as crisis intervention and local counseling referrals to appropriate professionals. Additionally, NCMEC’s Team HOPE is a volunteer program that connects families to others who have experienced the crisis of a sexually exploited child.

Don't Give Up

Having a sexually exploitative image of yourself exposed online is a scary experience. It can make you feel vulnerable and isolated, but remember, others have been in the same situation as you – and they’ve overcome it. Learn the steps you can take to limit the spread of the content.

By the Numbers

In 2023, reports made to the CyberTipline rose more than 12% from the previous year, surpassing 36.2 million reports.

There were 105,653,162 data files reported to the CyberTipline in 2023.

Reports of online enticement increased by more than 300% from 44,155 in 2021 to 186,819 in 2023. 

Find more data in the CyberTipline Report.

By the Numbers

In 2022:

Find more data in the CyberTipline Report.

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Learn more about online exploitation and safety.

Coping with Child Sexual Abuse (CSAM) Exposure For Families

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Production and Active Trading of Child Sexual Exploitation Images Depicting Identified Victims

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Trends Identified in CyberTipline Sextortion Reports

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The Online Enticement of Children: An In-Depth Analysis of CyberTipline Reports

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How to Promote the CyberTipline on Your Website

Report It

If you think you have seen a missing child, or suspect a child may be sexually exploited, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Report Child Sexual Exploitation

Use the CyberTipline to report child sexual exploitation.

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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. 

@elonmusk by Brett Fletcher @TrinityMount

 

NOTE - This is a Trinity Mount Ministries blog entry from December 4, 2022. I decided to repost it.

@elonmusk

I think it is hilarious how the world of social media seems very upset since the brilliant and wealthy man, Elon Musk, purchased Twitter! "That’s it! I'm leaving Twitter!" Twitter is ruined!" "Advertisers are leaving Twitter!" Etc., ad nauseum!

The only thing I know: When I founded Trinity Mount Ministries back in 2011, the two main social media platforms that would be instrumental for the cause of sharing information about Missing and exploited children, related news articles and child safety content would be Twitter and Facebook. Now, as we are approaching 2023, (12 years later) this remains true. No other social media platforms comes close to the combination of Twitter and Facebook, in relation to Trinity Mount Ministries, Trinity Mount Global Missing Kids and Trinity Mount International Missing Kids. 

So, leave these platforms if you must... I will continue to utilize these valuable tools for the above-mentioned cause: helping to find missing and exploited children, domestically and internationally, as well as promoting child safety. I hardly think Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg are too concerned about anybody's departure(s) from their social media platforms. My guess - these two platforms will do whatever necessary to stay afloat. 

The only difference I've noticed on Twitter: it's interesting and even exciting to some extent. I've always believed and maintain this to be true: if you don't like what someone shares: ignore it, fight against it, block it, protest it... though, a platform is there for you to use as well, as you see fit...to some extent. I believe in moderation as well as free speech. They can co-exist... when clear, cool and sound heads prevail. 

Brett Fletcher, Founder of Trinity Mount Ministries 

@TrinityMount https://www.twitter.com/TrinityMount

Arrested in underage sex sting, Minnesota lawmaker resigns

by Elizabeth Russell

The chair for Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, sits empty in a Senate hearing roomAssociated Press / Steve Karnowski

Republican state senator Justin Eichorn resigned Thursday before the Minnesota Senate could vote on his expulsion. Bloomington Police arrested Eichorn, 40, on Monday on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. He was expected to appear in federal court Thursday afternoon.

How have public officials responded to the arrest? Minnesota Republicans called for Eichorn to resign on Tuesday when the charges became public. They were preparing to expel him on Thursday when he resigned, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. State Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson said Eichorn’s resignation was the best option for both the Senate and his family. Eichorn is married and has four children.

How did officers catch Eichorn? Eichorn was caught by a police sting operation meant to suppress the demand for juvenile sex trafficking, according to an FBI agent’s affidavit. According to the Wednesday court filing, Eichorn communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 17-year-old girl. Eichorn allegedly solicited inappropriate photos from the fictitious girl and arranged to meet up for sex. Police arrested him when he arrived at the predetermined location.

TBI Arrests, Charges Medina Man in Ongoing Child Exploitation Case

 

GIBSON COUNTY – Special agents assigned to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Cybercrime & Digital Evidence Unit have arrested and charged a Medina man accused of uploading child sex abuse material.

On December 26, 2024, TBI agents opened the investigation after receiving a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about an individual uploading child sex abuse material to an electronic service provider account. During the course of the investigation, agents identified the user account to be associated with Brandon Fairchild.

On March 9th, 2025, a search warrant was executed for the electronic service provider account, and Brandon Fairchild (DOB: 05/27/1981) was subsequently taken into custody and charged with one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and two counts of Unlawful Photography. He was booked into the Gibson County Jail.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is an ICAC affiliate of the Tennessee ICAC Task Force. Anyone with information about these cases or other cases of online child exploitation should contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Tipline at 1-800-TBI-FIND, TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov, or report via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline at CyberTipline.org.

Parents seeking additional information about cybercrime, child exploitation, and how best to safeguard their loved ones can visit www.NetSmartz.org for a variety of topical, age-appropriate resources.