Spanish National Police said the suspect, a 46-year-old man, allegedly used private livestreaming rooms to broadcast the abuse to a small group of online viewers who paid to watch. Investigators explained that the man first attracted followers by sharing inappropriate photos of himself lying on a bed with the child. He then moved communication to private messaging apps, where he selected individuals willing to pay.
Police said the suspect received cryptocurrency through the same livestreaming platform. These digital payments were reportedly converted into online gifts and used to boost his popularity and visibility on the app.
The investigation began in November after police received an anonymous email tip sent through a system created to allow the public report crimes involving child sexual exploitation. Detectives monitored the suspect’s online activity for nearly four months before identifying him and locating his residence in Madrid.
Officers later arrested the man at his apartment in the Tetuan area of the city. Police released video footage showing the suspect being led out of the building in handcuffs and escorted to a police vehicle. He was wearing jeans and a black top at the time of his arrest.
During a search of the apartment, police seized two mobile phones which reportedly contained a large amount of illegal child abuse material. Authorities also said the application allegedly used to carry out the crimes was unfamiliar to them prior to the investigation.
After appearing before a judge, the suspect was remanded in custody. He is being investigated on several serious charges, including sexual assault, corruption of minors, and the production, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Police stressed that the case highlights the importance of public reporting and online monitoring in identifying and stopping crimes involving the exploitation of children.
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