FBI tip-off leads SAPS to Malmesbury teen – a disturbing discovery
· The South African
A 16-year-old Malmesbury teenager will appear in court on Tuesday after an international investigation allegedly linked him to violent online child exploitation networks.
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The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested the teenager on Monday, 17 August, after investigators traced him to an address in the Western Cape town.
Police accuse him of accessing, possessing, facilitating and downloading child sexual abuse material.
The National Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Team launched its investigation after receiving intelligence from the FBI, the United States Embassy and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The intelligence pointed to a suspect in South Africa allegedly linked to violent international online networks known as “764”.
FBI intelligence leads police to Malmesbury
SAPS said investigators followed the intelligence and eventually traced the teenager to Malmesbury.
Police arrested him “in the act” on Monday.
The National SECI Team led the operation with support from the Head Office Occult Unit, Paarl Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Paarl K9 Unit and Western Cape Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents attached to the US Embassy also took part.
Officers seized electronic devices during the operation.
Police said a preliminary analysis allegedly uncovered images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and animal mutilation.
Investigators will conduct a full forensic examination of the devices to determine the extent of the alleged offences.
SAPS said investigators have identified several child victims so far.
What police say about the ‘764’ networks
SAPS describes “764” as violent international online extremist networks associated with child exploitation.
Police allege that perpetrators target minors online before using blackmail and coercion to force them into sexual abuse, animal torture and other harmful criminal activity.
The investigation could lead to further charges.
Police are also investigating possible fraud and money laundering offences.
The teenager is expected to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 18 August.