Florida Busts Massive International Child Exploitation Ring Involving Over 1 Million Videos

Eight charged in sweeping operation

Eight defendants are now facing multiple felony charges, including:

-RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations)

-Money laundering

-Purchase and possession of child pornography

Authorities say the suspects were part of a coordinated international network, with content being sold and distributed around the world. Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions collaborated in the investigation.

A press release from Uthmeier’s office reveals that authorities discovered advertisements on social media platforms marketing large volumes of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation traced the operation to Mehmet Berk Bozuyuk, a Turkish national accused of orchestrating the global distribution network. (RELATED: You’ll Never Believe How This Monster Criminal Was Finally Caught)

Bozuyuk allegedly transferred thousands of files to buyers around the world—including eight men in the United States, who are now facing federal charges:

“The arrests of these predators are just the beginning. Every image of child abuse leaves a lasting scar on an innocent life, and we will aggressively prosecute these heinous crimes,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “It’s disgusting that child sexual abuse material is advertised in plain view on apps such as TikTok, and we will continue fighting to get these major social media companies to do their part in shutting down the spread of this material. I’m grateful for our FDLE partners who uncovered this deviant network and highlighted their sickening actions. Our Statewide Prosecutors will ensure these disgusting criminals face justice.”

“This case is a testament to the power of law enforcement teamwork and the strength of interagency collaboration,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “To the criminals believing they can hide among the shadows of the internet—know this: FDLE is always watching, we are always working, and we will always find you.”

Authorities discovered the global operation through an undercover proactive review of websites known to law enforcement that are used by individuals for the distribution of child pornography. Investigators responded to an ad listing more than 6 terabytes of material for $100 and received more than 1 million videos and pictures, which were determined to be CSAM. Authorities subsequently seized the domain of the website so that any further web traffic would be redirected to FDLE to hinder the further distribution of child sexual abuse material. 

Investigators also isolated individuals who took part in the operation to profit from the sale of CSAM. At least four individuals served as money mules, accepting money from buyers in Florida, then pocketing a percentage of the total and sending the remainder to Bozuyuk, the ringleader in Turkey. Bozuyuk then filtered the money by purchasing access to unsuspecting victims’ financial accounts through the dark web before taking possession.

Authorities arrested eight individuals in the U.S. for participating in the scheme or buying CSAM—seven of which reside in Florida. Attorney General Uthmeier’s OSP charged the following individuals:

Krunal Kumar Nareshbhai Modi of New Jersey is charged with one count each of racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO), conspiracy to commit RICO, and money laundering;

Frankie Piniero, Jr. of Groveland, Florida is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child pornography, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony; 

Brett Ryan Moore of Orange City is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child pornography, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony;

Israel Cole Thompson of Lakeland is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child pornography, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony;

Brett Allen Snodderly of Clearwater is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child pornography, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony;

Jacob Ross Conly of Fern Park is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child pornography, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony;

Kody Vance Jordan Muti of Palm Bay is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child pornography, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony; and

Michael Andrew Warren of Kissimmee is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of child pornography, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

Law enforcement issued additional arrest warrants for Bozuyuk and Xiomara Del Real Maqueda in Oregon. Bozuyuk is charged with RICO, conspiracy to commit RICO, money laundering, 13 counts of promotion of sexual performance by a child 10 images or more, 11 counts of selling child pornography, 13 counts of out-of-state transmission of child pornography by electronic device, 13 counts of distribution of obscene material, and nine counts of use of two-way communication device. Maqueda is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Special Counsel Rita Peters from the Office of Statewide Prosecution will lead the case.

The case comes in the wake of a 2023 law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, allowing the death penalty for sexual battery against children under 12. The legislation reflects Florida’s increasingly aggressive posture toward child exploitation crimes.

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