A massive international child pornography ring has been dismantled following a joint operation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Seven Florida men have been arrested and charged in connection with the ring, which reportedly involved over one million files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation, described as ‘truly heinous’ by officials, highlights the disturbing ease with which such material is trafficked online.
The investigation began in July 2024 when an FDLE agent, during a routine review of a website known for advertising illegal content, discovered a seller offering CSAM. This led to a full-scale investigation, resulting in the shutdown of the website within a week. During the undercover operation, one agent purchased a staggering 6.7 terabytes of child pornography, comprising approximately 1.2 million images and videos.
Authorities have identified the alleged ringleader as Mehmet Bozuyuk, who is currently residing in Adana, Turkey. A warrant is out for his arrest, and international efforts are underway to extradite him back to Florida to face charges. Bozuyuk’s alleged operation involved using multiple stolen identities and money mules to distribute the CSAM globally. One such money mule, Krunalkumar Modi of New Jersey, was arrested in July 2024 and faces numerous charges including promotion of sexual performance by a child and distribution of obscene material. Another money mule, Ximena Maqueda, resides in Oregon and is also wanted by authorities.
The seven Florida men arrested face charges including conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child sexual abuse material, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Their identities have been released: Brett Ryan Moore (40), Brett Allen Snodderly (46), Frankie Pineiro Jr. (27), Michael Andrew Warden (31), Jacob Ross Conly (24), Kody Vance Jordan-Muti (30), and Israel Cole Thompson (32). The investigation is ongoing and underscores the critical need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to combat the online trafficking of CSAM.
Attorney General Uthmeier stressed the severity of the crimes, stating that ‘every image of child abuse leaves a lasting scar on an innocent life’ and vowing to aggressively prosecute those involved. The disturbing revelation that some of this material was advertised openly through ads on TikTok has prompted calls for social media companies to take greater responsibility in preventing the spread of such illegal content. Authorities encourage parents to visit the FDLE website for resources and tips on protecting children online.
