In one of the cities in La Rioja, law enforcement officers detained a 39-year-old man suspected of contacting a minor via online platforms. According to investigators, he used social networks to meet the girl and then persuaded her to leave her home and meet him in person. The meeting allegedly resulted in sexual assault.
After a report was filed about the teenager’s disappearance, a large-scale investigation was launched. Detectives examined the girl’s mobile phone and found messages with the man, including explicit texts and videos. Some of the footage included scenes of violence and domination, further raising suspicions against the detained individual.
Investigation reveals new details
During the investigation, it was discovered that the man was registered in Granada and was also wanted by a court in Terrassa for a similar crime against another minor, who was 15 at the time of the incident. This allowed authorities to link the cases and broaden the scope of the charges.
Police contacted the suspect by phone. He admitted being with the missing girl but refused to reveal her location or cooperate with the police. He was later apprehended, and the minor was reunited with her family. During a search of the premises where he was staying, numerous sexual items were found.
The perpetrator’s methods and a warning for parents
Investigators note that such offenders actively use the internet to find victims among teenagers. They build trust, manipulate emotions, and persuade minors to send intimate materials. Their main goal is to arrange a face-to-face meeting to commit a crime.
Experts therefore advise parents to keep an ongoing dialogue with their children about the risks of interacting with strangers online. It’s important to regularly monitor teens’ online activity, explain the need to protect personal data, and stay alert for any signs of danger. At the slightest suspicion, parents are advised to save any evidence and immediately contact the appropriate authorities.
Charges and next steps
The detained suspect faces multiple charges, including sexual assault, corruption of minors, unlawful detention, incitement to run away from home, and disobedience to law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into possible additional cases involving other victims.
This case once again highlights the importance of digital literacy and vigilance when it comes to children’s safety online. Parents and teenagers should remember: even seemingly harmless online conversations can pose serious threats.
