NEWS

This week, a Dutch court delivered a significant victory in the global fight against online child sexual exploitation. A 52-year-old man from Ter Aar in the Netherlands was convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in ordering the sexual abuse of young children in the Philippines through a webcam connection over the course of more than four years. In the Netherlands, an eight-year sentence for a live-streaming abuse case is notably high, underscoring the court’s recognition of the seriousness and lasting harm caused by these crimes, even when the abuse occurs thousands of miles away.

According to the court’s ruling, the offender was not simply a passive viewer. The judge described him as a co-perpetrator of “very serious and reprehensible” crimes, despite the fact that he did not physically carry out the abuse himself. The case involved victims largely under the age of 12, and the court found that the offender pressured those abusing the children (often their own parents) to meet his demands in exchange for payment. The verdict also noted the offender’s persistent and coercive behavior: even when those committing the abuse indicated the victims were in pain, the offender allegedly refused to stop and threatened to withhold payment.

This case was supported through the use of CRC Technology, which assists law enforcement in identifying offenders, connecting digital evidence, and strengthening investigations that lead to arrests and prosecutions. This week’s sentencing represents more than a legal outcome, it is a clear public statement that ordering and directing the abuse of children online is a violent crime. We remain committed to supporting global law enforcement partners to develop technology as they work to identify, arrest and prosecute live-stream offenders and rescue victims.

Get involved with Child Rescue Coalition. Your support helps equip law enforcement with CRC Technology (at no cost) so those who exploit children online are held accountable. Donate, partner, or share our mission today.