Florida law enforcement, along with Attorney General James Uthmeier and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have apprehended seven Florida residents linked to an international child sexual abuse material (CSAM) network.

Authorities stated the suspects allegedly acquired the illicit content through advertisements on TikTok. The suspected ringleader is believed to be located in Turkey.

An undercover agent involved in the investigation reportedly procured 6.7 terabytes of child pornography, consisting of approximately 1.2 million videos and images, according to Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell.

Attorney General James Uthmeier expressed his disgust at the open advertising of child sexual abuse material on platforms like TikTok and pledged continued efforts to compel social media companies to combat its spread. He also thanked FDLE partners for exposing the network and assured that the perpetrators would face justice.

Florida’s Attorney General indicated the alleged ringleader is in Turkey, and efforts are underway to extradite him to Florida following the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Uthmeier emphasized that the arrests are only the beginning, stressing the lasting harm caused by child abuse images and vowing aggressive prosecution of these crimes.

The investigation began in July 2024 after an FDLE agent, during a routine review of a website known for advertising, discovered someone selling concerning content.

Detectives identified the user, initiated a thorough investigation, and uncovered multiple listings from the same seller. They succeeded in shutting down the website within a week.

Krunalkumar Modi, 39, of New Jersey, was arrested on July 31 and faces numerous charges, including promotion of sexual performance by a child, out-of-state transmission of child sexual abuse material, distribution of obscene material, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

The investigation also revealed Modi’s involvement in a larger distribution ring led by “John De Vil.”

“John De Vil” has been identified as Mehmet Bozuyuk, currently residing in Adana, Turkey. According to the FDLE, Bozuyuk has used stolen identities to sell and distribute CSAM globally through intermediaries like Modi and Ximena Maqueda, an Oregon resident.

The investigation led to the arrest of seven Florida residents identified as “customers” of the CSAM ring. The “customers” are charged with conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child sexual abuse material, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Active arrest warrants have also been issued for other individuals.

Authorities are directing the public to the FDLE website for tips on online safety for children at .

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