UPDATE April 20, 2023: 40 additional adult men who were buying and distributing CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) of these boys have now been arrested! 37 of these offenders have been convicted. The remaining 3 suspects are currently being prosecuted.
UPDATE February 23, 2023: Police were able to follow up on this case and identify an accomplice, who had participated in trafficking the two young boys. Law enforcement arrested him, and if convicted, he’s now facing 20 years in prison!
Two young brothers were being trafficked through social media by a 21–year-old male relative. The trafficker would record himself sexually abusing the boys, uploading videos as advertisements to a private group of buyers. The trafficker would bribe the boys into silence with gifts: toys, electronics, even skill expansion packs in online games.
The 10-year-old had been trapped in this nightmare for a full year. His 6-year-old little brother had been forced into the cycle for a month.
Fortunately, The Exodus Road and Thai law enforcement were able to infiltrate the private group. They convinced the trafficker to bring the boys to supposed customers at an isolated cassava farm. But when the trafficker arrived, the 10-year-old perched on the back of his motorbike, police were waiting.
Now, both boys are in the care of a government safe home where they can begin to heal and reclaim their childhood. One of The Exodus Road’s social workers is working closely with government social workers, assessing a plan to get the boys home and keep them safe once they’re there. Meanwhile, their trafficker is facing up to 20 years in prison and a fine as high as $60,500.
The trafficker from Operation Reclaimed Youth being brought into custody.
Thank you for helping bring these children to safety through your support of The Exodus Road!
