55 men in France arrested for online pedophilia ring

55 men in France arrested for online pedophilia ring

In a large-scale operation to destroy a pedophile network, 55 men from all over France were arrested between Monday and Thursday morning. This was announced by the French Office for Child Protection (OFMIN). The network operated through the Messaging service Telegram.

Details on the arrests

The arrested suspects, whose age is between 25 and 75 years old, are suspected of exchanging news on Telegram with an “extremely dangerous” sex offender. This was detained in the summer of 2024 after his own children were saved from abuse. Quentin Bevan, head of the operational unit of OFMIN, said CNN on Thursday that there is digital evidence that puts a strain on all 55 people.

long -term investigations

"These arrests are the result of a ten -month investigation," said Bevan. "It was an important examination and infiltration surgery in this Telegram group." The investigators had to pursue, analyze them and identify the people behind the Telegram Pseudonyms-especially those who had children, had criminal records or were in sensitive professions who had contact with children.

background of the suspects

The men come from different age groups and social classes: fathers, civil servants, military personnel and paramedics. In France, the possession and distribution of child pornographic material with a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of 100,000 euros (approx. $ 112,747) is occupied.

Telegram and previous incidents

CNN asked Telegram to comment on the arrests. This is not the first top -class case that affects the platform in France. In August 2024, the telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested at Bourget Airport in Paris on the basis of an arrest warrant that is connected to Telegram's moderation guidelines.

Legal steps against Durov

The French authorities charged Durov on August 28, 2024 for several charges, including money laundering and distribution of child pornographic material. Durov explained in a statement to blegate telegram by third parties ”.