Rotterdam police arrest man linked to major U.S. online child sex abuse, extortion case
Police in the Netherlands arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with an American investigation alleging widespread sexual abuse of children and blackmailing those victims to perpetuate the abuse. Rotterdam district police arrested the man at a home in Spijkenisse, Zuid-Holland, on Monday, police said in a public statement issued two days later.
The case was described as being a "large-scale" investigation led by U.S. authorities. It involves "several underage victims" of an extortion plot, but details about the locations of those victims were not released. Police also would not state the number of known victims, saying it is possible that investigators will also identify more victims.
The dates of the alleged offenses have yet to be disclosed. "In the interest of the investigation and the privacy of the victims, no more details can be given at this time," police said. Police did define sextortion as the use of sexual content to further blackmail a victim, often for money, or more sexually explicit photos and video.
The suspect will be brought before an examining magistrate on Thursday. During the hearing, the suspect may be remanded to a jail for up to 14 days while the investigation continues. After that, judges at a district court can opt to imprison the suspect for successive periods of pre-trial detention, each lasting a maximum of 90 days, if charged with a crime domestically.
Terms of the U.S. extradition treaty with the Netherlands calls for the country asking for a suspect's arrest to formally request extradition within 60 days or risk that suspect being released from custody. Generally, provisional arrests on behalf of another country may last no longer than 20 days in the Netherlands without a formal extradition request.
Extradition has to be approved by the Minister of Justice if the suspect consents to extradition. A suspect who fights extradition will first be brought before a district court, and that ruling may be challenged to the Supreme Court. The Minister of Justice still has approve compliance with an extradition request, and that decision can be appealed to the Council of State.
Dutch police encouraged anyone who believes they were the victim of online sexual abuse, sextortion, blackmail or intimidation to contact authorities. They said victims who feel ashamed should not feel as though they are guilty of a crime. The victims often feel as if they are "alone in the world," suffering from stress, and without a way to end an ongoing situation. "If you have become a victim, you are not alone. Extortion and intimidation are criminally punishable, always disclose these incidents, and it is best to file a report.
"It is best to contact the police immediately if there is still contact with the suspect," police said in advice to victims. It is also important to keep as much evidence as possible, like screenshots of images, threats, and the blackmailer's name, user name and email address. "Did you transfer money? Then let the bank know what happened so that they can also start an investigation."
