Man suspected of abusing 30 minors in São Paulo jailed

A 27-year-old man suspected of sexually abusing at least 30 victims aged 7 to 17 was arrested Thursday morning (Jul 3) by the Federal Police just outside the city of São Paulo.

The crimes were brought to light after the exchange of pornographic material involving under-age individuals on social media was intercepted during a crackdown in cooperation with the US police.

The suspect would choose his victims after looking at their pictures on Facebook. He introduced himself as a photographer and promised to help them start a career as a model. As soon as he felt their confidence in him, he would ask for pictures of them naked. To convince them, he would also show pictures from fake profiles he created himself, claiming they were girls who had become successful models after his help.

After getting the first photo of his victims naked, the man would tell them to send more embarrassing ones, threatening to publish those he already had. A 16-year-old girl was forced to send pictures and videos of her performing oral sex on her three-year-old brother.

The suspect will answer for the charges of statutory rape, and the production, possession and publishing of material showing sexual abuse of minors. The suspect may be convicted to 17 to 36 years in jail.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira