The popularity of video chat apps and file-sharing services has increased exponentially, especially during the covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, video conferencing and online file-sharing have been used to share illegal child pornography. Federal investigators have targeted online file-sharing and video conferencing while investigating sex crime cases.
Video Conferencing and Online File Sharing Have Increased in Popularity
Many businesses allowed workers to work from home using video conferencing apps like Zoom. File sharing services enable people to share files with one of my other users via the Internet through a cloud-based storage or collaboration solution. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive are a few of the most popular file-sharing devices.
The FBI Ramps Up Monitoring of File Sharing Apps and Video Conferencing
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has clarified that they monitor popular new technologies. They have increased their investigation involving the creation, promotion, distribution, marketing, and/or sale of child pornography over the internet. Specifically, the FBI is ramping up its investigation of using anonymous internet networks like Tor to carry out illicit activities. The FBI found that Tor hosted approximately 1.3 million images depicting illegal child pornography, specifically violent sexual abuse of children. The investigation enabled the FBI to identify at least 73 new victims.
A Houston Man is Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Illicit Activity on Skype
A recent example of the FBI investigating video conferencing apps involves a 42-year-old Houston man. The FBI found him pretending to be a 23-year-old male on a social media website called FaceFlow. He also chatted with a 14-year-old female on the Skype video conferencing app. After he brought the underage girl to a hotel room in Houston and his residence, he was arrested and charged.
He has been required to register as a sex offender and sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years on supervised release. After the FBI secured a search warrant for the hotel room, they found several electronic devices and documents that led them to discover another victim out of state who was a minor female.
In another similar case, a defendant from Fort Bend was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison and five years on supervised release. He was convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography videos and images via the Freenet file sharing application. He will also have to register as a sex offender through the national database. The FBI has been streamlining and adapting its investigation practices to target suspects who use video conferencing apps to connect with minors to engage in illicit sexual activity or share illicit images.
Discuss Your Case With a Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you suspect that you are being investigated for a sex crime or you have already been charged with a crime, it is essential that you discuss your case with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact the skilled criminal defense attorneys at Abel Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can fight for your rights.