Florida Attorney General and Florida Department of Law enforcement announce international CSAM investigation arrests

FDLE, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and representatives from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have made a significant breakthrough in the ongoing international child sexual abuse material (CSAM) crime ring investigation. Seven Florida residents have been arrested in connection with the ring, which officials say operated through ads on TikTok. The alleged ringleader is believed to be located in Turkey.

Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell revealed that an undercover agent was able to purchase 6.7 terabytes of child pornography, consisting of approximately 1.2 million videos and pictures. Attorney General James Uthmeier expressed disgust at the prevalence of child sexual abuse material being advertised on social media platforms like TikTok, and emphasized the importance of holding major companies accountable for shutting down the spread of such content.

The investigation commenced in July 2024 when an FDLE agent discovered someone selling CSAM on a website during a proactive criminal review. This led to the identification of multiple listings from the same seller, ultimately resulting in the takedown of the website within a week.

One of the suspects, Krunalkumar Modi, was arrested in New Jersey and faces multiple charges related to the promotion and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The investigation also uncovered a larger distribution ring led by Mehmet Bozuyuk, also known as “John De Vil,” who is currently residing in Turkey. Bozuyuk reportedly used stolen identities to sell and distribute CSAM globally through individuals like Modi and Ximena Maqueda.

Seven Florida residents have been arrested as part of the investigation, with charges including conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child sexual abuse material, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Arrest warrants have been issued for individuals outside of Florida, including Ximena Del Real Maqueda of Portland, Oregon, and Mehmet Bozuyuk of Adana, Turkey.

Officials are urging the public to visit the FDLE website for tips on keeping children safe online and to report any suspicious activity. The fight against child sexual abuse material continues, with authorities committed to prosecuting those involved in these heinous crimes and ensuring justice for the victims.