National Police agents in Seville arrested three individuals amid investigations into a pattern of sexual exploitation involving minors. A judge ordered prison for two of the detainees. The operation revealed that one suspect contacted minors online using a false profile and then moved to exploit them for money once contact was established.
A police press release noted that initial interactions appeared friendly, but soon progressed to soliciting sexually explicit photos and videos from the minors to normalize the behavior. When victims complied and were caught up in the scheme, the offender offered payments for sexual encounters, with larger sums promised if the minors provided additional material of themselves.
The investigation, part of the operation Novo framework, began after authorities learned two adults of varying ages were staying with a minor in a Seville hotel. One detainee had previously met the minor through a fake online profile and arranged sexual activity in exchange for financial compensation, a pattern reportedly continued during the suspect’s work-related absences.
Specifically, the individual lured a minor into sex, promising more money for providing photos and videos. Following the reported events and a thorough inquiry, investigators uncovered two additional participants who supplied the necessary technical support to recruit minors online for live pornography monetization.
The crime unfolded in stages: first, the victims were identified and directed to a location where videographic material was made; a broad client network for child pornography, including content with gay themes, was established. Another detainee handled payments, distributing profits among participants and receiving commissions for facilitating the infrastructure.
The last suspect, who had semi-professional ties to the child pornography world, exploited a popular online chat to post links to explicit material. Those links led customers to pages hosting productions and videos featuring the victims, according to records reviewed by investigators. A substantial amount of obscene material produced by minors was seized during operations. All three individuals were taken into custody, with two subsequently remanded to prison while the case proceeded to the courthouse for further judicial steps.
(Source: National Police press office)