ICE, NCMEC lead helps Spanish authorities take down child pornography ring
MADRID, Spain — Information developed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Attaché Office in Madrid and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) led to the dismantling of a child pornography ring operating throughout Spain.
Based on HSI and NCMEC information, the Spanish Guardia Civil conducted a two-day law enforcement operation dubbed "Dustman" on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. They executed 47 simultaneous search warrants in 24 Spanish cities, arresting 26 suspected child predators. A soccer coach was among those arrested. He allegedly filmed himself abusing minors.
The arrestees face criminal charges including possession, distribution and creation of child pornography.
"There is no crime more despicable than the abuse of an innocent child," said HSI Madrid Attaché Alex Alonso. "We commend the Spanish Guardia Civil for their swift action in this case. HSI and NCMEC are united partners committed to sharing critical information regarding the suspected abuse of children. When it comes to protecting the most vulnerable among us, there are no borders or barriers."
This investigation was launched following a tip from HSI and NCMEC and conducted under HSI's Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators.
Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 10,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2014, more than 2,300 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified or rescued.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI's Operation Predator smartphone or visit the online suspect alerts page.
HSI is a founding member and current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.
Through ICE's Office of International Operations and the U.S. Department of State, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has 67 attaché offices in 48 countries around the world. HSI special agents work closely with foreign law enforcement agencies and through a robust network of specialized, vetted units known as Transnational Criminal Investigative Units.
Updated: