Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE) arrested a man for intending to engage in sexual acts with two young girls. ICE agents posed as a mother willing to sell her two young girls, ages 5 and 8 to the man, states a New York Criminal Lawyer. The man, who was from Athens, Greece, was arrested by ICE agents after landing in the Denver airport. Since his arrest, he has pleaded not guilty to charges ranging from engaging in illicit conduct to aggravated sexual abuse.
ICE agents stage these kinds of operations all the time to catch sexual predators both online and off. As part of the Department of Homeland Security, ICE not only monitors immigration and customs stations in airports, the agency also works tirelessly to stop the illegal trafficking of children and child pornography. A program called “Operation Predator” was created to catch traffickers before children are harmed. Agents pose as parents, relatives or people involved in “sex tourism” to earn the trust of those interested in purchasing children. “Operation Predator” is a world-wide effort to stop sex trafficking.
Those found guilty of sex trafficking, distributing or purchasing child pornography may face up to 10 years in prison, even if this is their first offense. ICE has partnered with other law enforcement agencies throughout the world to stop the distribution of child pornography. Countries such as New Zealand, Italy, the United Kingdom and Australia have task forces in place to catch these types of criminals.
Since the Internet has made it much easier to send and receive images of child pornography, ICE agents must be more diligent in monitoring and acting when they suspect criminal activity. For example, authorities in New Zealand monitored the exchange of child pornography between a citizen of New Zealand and a citizen of the United States. Thanks to the efforts of New Zealand authorities and ICE, both suspects were arrested and charged, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. Apparently, over 600 images were sent over the Internet, which was more than enough evidence to arrest and convict the men. The man from the U.S., a substitute teacher, was sentenced to eight years in prison.
ICE currently has 69 offices in 49 countries around the world including New York City and Westchester County. Its mission is to track and arrest those traveling for the purposes of sexually abusing children and to catch those sending images of child pornography over the Internet.
If facing criminal charges, hire a New York Criminal Attorney who understands the legal system and who can help you overcome legal challenges. A New York Criminal Attorney can speak on your behalf and ensure you get the best legal representation possible.