child sex — A 53-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison without the possibility of early release in the United States, after Cyprus Police played a key role in uncovering a long-running online child sexual abuse operation.
The investigation began in 2020 when the Cyprus Cybercrime Division received intelligence regarding a suspect based in the US. This intelligence set off a chain of events that would reveal the extent of the man’s criminal activities.
Child sex: Uncovering a Disturbing Pattern
Evidence gathered during the inquiry indicated that the offender had been systematically targeting children over a prolonged period. The investigation uncovered a significant number of victims across various states in the US, leading authorities to recognise the gravity of the situation.
Cooperation Across Borders
Following the initial findings, US authorities were alerted, prompting the New York FBI to take charge of the case. Collaborating closely with detectives from the Cyprus Cybercrime Division, they worked diligently to identify further victims, aged between 13 and 17, who had been affected by the suspect’s actions.
Key Developments and Arrest
The joint investigation efforts led to the successful location and arrest of the suspect. On 29 January 2026, a US court imposed a sentence of 12 years in prison, ensuring that the offender would not be eligible for early release.
A Commitment to Child Safety
In a statement following the sentencing, Cyprus Police emphasised that child safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals from such heinous crimes are among their top priorities. They described this case as a significant example of how sexual offences against children can transcend borders, highlighting the need for international cooperation.
Cyprus Police reiterated that the successful outcome of this case demonstrates the importance of collaboration and information-sharing between law enforcement agencies across different countries, ultimately leading to justice for the victims involved.
