Puerto Morelos, Q.R. — The Attorney General says a suspected member of a child pornography ring has been arrested in Puerto Morelos. His arrest was made after the German Cyber Unit traced an online child pornography exchange to Puerto Morelos.
Authorities say so far this year, a total of seven people have been taken into custody from around the state for the same crime.
On Monday, prosecutor Raciel López Salazar said a suspected distributor of child pornography has been taken into custody. His arrest was made due to cooperation between European and Mexican authorities.
With this arrest, the number of people detained in Quintana Roo this year for crimes related to this type of content has risen to seven, López Salazar reported Monday morning.
López Salazar explained that the investigation originated from an alert issued by the German Cyber Unit who detected the circulation of child sexual abuse material across websites.
After tracing the source, it was determined that the activity originated in Quintana Roo at which time German officials notified the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) who in turn, notified the Quintana Roo FGE (State Attorney General).
As a result of an investigation, José Efraín “N” was identified and located. He was arrested by Investigative Police. During his arrest, authorities found a cell phone containing sexual videos and photographs of minors.
During a Monday news conference, López Salazar explained that José Efraín “N” used various profiles and aliases on social media. Names such as Tomás Balam, Armando Canul Castillo, Tom and Tom Jr. where some of the online aliases he used to exchange illicit files with other users through online groups.
He also reported that the arrest of José Efraín “N” stems from a complaint filed by the Prosecutor’s Office of Cologne, Germany
“The complaint regarding these events was received by the FGR from the Cologne Prosecutor’s Office, Central and Contact Service for Cybercrime of North Rhine-Westphalia (ZAC-NRW), Germany. It is an agency that reported on a case concerning the alleged dissemination and possession of files with characteristics of child sexual exploitation. They noted that between June 24 and August 9, 2020, the accused participated by sending files and links to similar groups in addition to being associated with various digital identities.
“After investigative work, both in the field and in the office, once the corresponding arrest warrant was obtained, José Efraín “N” was arrested. Likewise, in compliance with the search warrant at his home located on Javier Rojo Gómez Avenue, in Superblock 2 of Puerto Morelos, the agents secured electronic devices and USB drives.
“The suspect, as well as the evidence secured, were placed at the disposal of the requesting authority; his legal status will be determined within the constitutionally established timeframe.”
José Efraín “N” is currently being held in pretrial detention. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on December 17 and is facing charges of human trafficking in the form of child pornography.
Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014
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