The National Police have arrested a 26-year-old man in Alcanar accused of several serious crimes against minors. Charges include sexual harassment, exhibitionism, sextortion, and possession of child pornography. The investigation has uncovered 2,958 photographs and 213 videos of illegal content, as well as the identification of 21 victims, all female minors aged between 9 and 17.
The investigation began in Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) following a report by an eleven-year-old girl who stated she had been sexually harassed via social media. The minor explained she had started a virtual relationship with someone posing as a 16-year-old adolescent named “Alex”.
The detainee, a 26-year-old man with no known employment, lived with his retired parents and spent most of his day in his bedroom surrounded by electronic equipment. He created a fake profile using images of other minors to appear as an attractive young man. Investigations suggest he attempted to contact nearly 200 girls, initiating conversations with 37 and ultimately harassing 21.
The method known as 'child grooming' involves psychological manipulation of minors through digital means to gain their trust and satisfy sexual desires. In this case, “Alex” obtained the minor's phone number and, using photo and video sharing apps, demanded increasingly explicit material, resorting to threats and coercion to publish the content.
The Family and Woman Care Unit (UFAM) of the Local Police Station in Puerto del Rosario, in collaboration with the Operational Group-Judicial Police of the Tortosa Police Station and the Technical Group of the Provincial Brigade of Judicial Police of Barcelona, conducted the investigation. It has been confirmed that the detainee used multiple profiles, including female ones, to intensify the harassment.
In coordination with various Family and Woman Care Units nationwide, measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of the affected minors, activate reporting channels, and offer psychological and legal support.
