A 29-year-old Ecuadorian national was arrested by the National Police on allegations of two grave offenses involving a minor. He is accused of corruption of minors and sexual abuse of a child under 16, with investigators contending that the acts were carried out in exchange for money and that pornographic material was recorded during the encounters.
The case began amid findings from a formal protocol established for action between the Instituto Mallorquín d’Afers Socials (IMAS) and the Security Forces. The protocol enables social services to report suspected or confirmed sexual abuse of minors to law enforcement, ensuring a coordinated response to protect vulnerable children. Under this framework, IMAS disclosed concerns to the National Police after information came to light about a boy under 15 being involved in sexual activity with an adult in exchange for financial compensation.
The investigation, handled by the Family and Women’s Unit (UFAM) of the National Police, progressed through interviews, data analysis, and digital forensics. Investigators determined that the minor and the man were connected through a mobile application, and that the parties discussed and planned the interaction in a way that avoided drawing attention. Authorities emphasized that the minor did not have sufficient information to explain the circumstances surrounding the contact, including where the events took place.
Authorities conducted several operational steps to identify the adult and locate him in his residence in Palma. A later examination of the suspect’s devices provided critical evidence, revealing a pattern of exploiting the minor to produce pornographic material and to film the sexual activity. The actions taken by the suspect were corroborated by the electronic records, which supported the allegations of intent and control in the exploitation of a child.
As the inquiry continued, the suspect was formally detained on multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor and the creation of inappropriate materials involving the young person. The offenses include corruption of minors through sexual relations in exchange for money, producing sexually explicit materials using a child, and sexual abuse involving a person under the age of 16. The case is being treated as a serious offense with ongoing investigations to determine the full extent of the activities and any additional victims who may be identified through further digital forensics and interviews.
In police reports, officials stressed the importance of the IMAS–police collaboration protocol as a critical mechanism for rapid reporting and protective action. The system is designed to trigger timely interventions, preserve evidence, and ensure that the affected minor receives appropriate support services while the investigation proceeds. Law enforcement representatives also noted that sexual exploitation cases typically involve clandestine arrangements, often facilitated by online or mobile platforms, which can obscure the vulnerability of the victims and the intent of the perpetrators. The role of digital forensics in these cases is pivotal, as data recovered from devices and accounts can establish the connection between the minor, the accused, and the produced material.
The arrest marks a significant step in addressing sexual abuse against minors within the jurisdiction. The authorities reaffirm their commitment to thorough investigations and to upholding the rights and safety of children. As the case advances, prosecutors will review the evidence to determine appropriate charges and potential additional victims, while social services will continue to monitor the welfare of the minor and assist the family as needed. The community is reminded of the importance of reporting suspected abuse and of supporting victims through the judicial process and the recovery journey.