Florida men indicted in global child pornography ring with more than 1 million files

A major child sexual abuse material (CSAM) crime ring investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) resulted in the arrest of seven Florida residents. These individuals were accused of purchasing CSAM through ads on the social media platform TikTok. The alleged ringleader of the operation is believed to be located in Turkey, and efforts are being made to extradite him to Florida. The investigation began in July 2024 after an FDLE agent discovered someone selling CSAM on a website known for advertising such content.

One undercover agent involved in the operation was able to purchase 6.7 terabytes of child pornography, which contained approximately 1.2 million videos and pictures. Attorney General Uthmeier condemned the advertisement of child sexual abuse material on apps like TikTok and emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for such crimes. He stated that every image of child abuse leaves a lasting scar on innocent lives, and he emphasized the state’s commitment to aggressively prosecute those responsible for these heinous acts. Arrest warrants have been issued for additional suspects involved in the distribution ring, both in the United States and abroad.

The investigation also led to the arrest of Krunalkumar Modi, a New Jersey resident charged with various counts related to the promotion and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Authorities identified him as part of a larger distribution ring led by a man known as “John De Vil,” who was later identified as Mehmet Bozuyuk from Adana, Turkey. Bozuyuk, operating under stolen identities, used money mules like Modi to sell and distribute CSAM globally. The investigation resulted in the arrest of seven individuals in Florida, identified as customers of the illegal distribution ring, who are currently facing charges related to conspiracy, purchasing CSAM, and unlawful use of communication devices.

In response to this investigation, officials are urging the public to review tips for keeping children safe online, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from online predators. The Attorney General expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies involved in uncovering and dismantling the CSAM distribution ring. As the investigation continues and more individuals are brought to justice, there is a strong commitment to ensuring that those involved in the exploitation of children face the full extent of the law.

The arrests made in this case are just the beginning of efforts to combat CSAM and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. Authorities are working diligently to pursue extradition for individuals located outside of the United States and to dismantle the distribution networks responsible for the dissemination of illegal material. By targeting those involved in the production, sale, and distribution of CSAM, law enforcement agencies aim to disrupt the activities of child predators and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. The collaboration between state, federal, and international agencies in addressing these crimes reflects a united front against child exploitation and a commitment to ensuring justice for victims of CSAM.