Six-year-old girl rescued and her mum arrested over sick child porn

A six-year-old girl who was allegedly subjected to sexual abuse by her mother in videos sold on the dark web has been rescued.

A six-year-old girl who was allegedly subjected to sexual abuse by her mother in videos sold on the dark web has been rescued thanks to a crucial clue provided by Australian police.

Following a seven-month international investigation, the young girl was seized from her alleged abusers in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on Sunday.

In footage of the arrest, officers can be seen approaching the 37-year-old mother inside a local restaurant. They then escort her outside to a waiting car.

Several months prior to this, the woman’s 19-year-old boyfriend had been arrested when local police searched his residence in Manila in November.

During the search, multiple electronic devices were seized.

Upon his arrest, the police were able to identify the child who was purportedly being abused in the videos. However, they were initially unable to determine her whereabouts.

The breakthrough in the case occurred this week as a result of a collaborative investigation conducted by Victoria Police, Netherlands Police, and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In early 2022, Victoria Police identified an individual sharing the abusive material on a dark web forum and promptly alerted the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

A six-year-old girl who was reportedly subjected to sexual abuse by her mother in videos sold on the dark web has been rescued thanks to a crucial clue provided by Australian police.

The videos in question did not match any content present in an international database, leading investigators to believe that they were produced by the same individuals who were selling them.

The material was subsequently referred to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Centre, prompting the PNP to initiate an investigation without delay.

While international agencies managed to work together to identify the woman‘s boyfriend and his location, they were unable to locate the child.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, law enforcement discovered additional videos depicting the same six-year-old victim on another dark web platform.

In Manila, AFP officers supported the PNP during an undercover operation conducted online, where they attempted to engage with the suspected vendor.

This investigation yielded a significant breakthrough this week, with the six-year-old girl now under the care of the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Following a seven-month international investigation, the young girl was seized from her alleged abusers in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on Sunday.

The 37-year-old mother has been charged with one count of committing acts of child abuse, cruelty, or exploitation, and additional charges are expected to follow.

The 19-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences, including one count of using, persuading, inducing, engaging, or coercing a child to perform or participate in acts that contravene the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act. He also faces charges of producing, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

Authorities will now examine the seized electronic devices in an effort to identify any individuals who purchased the child abuse material that was allegedly sold on the dark web.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Perkins of the AFP emphasised the escalating demand for child exploitation material worldwide, including in Australia.

“Children are not commodities to be used for the abhorrent gratification of sexual predators. We will do whatever we can to help Philippine authorities identify any child victims and remove them from further harm,” Perkins said.

Police Colonel Portia Manalad of the PNP Women and Children Protection Centre expressed the officers‘ unwavering dedication to shielding children from “violent sexual abuse.”

She affirmed their determination to locate children who have endured these horrific crimes, ensure their safety, and provide ongoing support.

She acknowledged that the trauma they have experienced exceeds what is visible, but assured that they will act as their guardians.