MANILA - The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested a 19-year-old man in Pampanga for allegedly enticing minors online to produce child sexual abuse or exploitation materials in exchange for Robux, the virtual currency used in the online gaming platform Roblox.
In a statement, the NBI said agents from its Violence Against Women and Children Division (NBI-VAWCD) arrested the suspect on June 30 for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.
Senate to probe Roblox, gaming platforms’ role in youth safety on July 1
The operation stemmed from a referral by the Department of Justice's Office of Cybercrime after receiving reports that the suspect had allegedly enticed a child online to produce child sexual abuse or exploitation materials.
According to the NBI, its investigation found that the suspect had allegedly persuaded a minor to engage in sexual activity and send sexually exploitative images in exchange for Robux.
The suspect was also linked to multiple CyberTipline reports “involving the online enticement of children for sexual exploitation and the distribution of child sexual abuse materials through various online accounts,” the bureau said.
The NBI added that record checks uncovered an earlier complaint filed by the mother of a 10-year-old victim, who alleged that the suspect befriended her daughter through Roblox before manipulating the child into creating and sending sexually explicit videos and later subjected her to coercion.
DICT, stakeholders set to create TWG vs violent online games
After conducting cyber and digital forensic investigations, agents identified the suspect and secured a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD).
Authorities said they seized the suspect's mobile phone during the implementation of the warrant.
A forensic examination allegedly uncovered “numerous child sexual abuse or exploitation materials stored therein”.
Investigators also found that the suspect was allegedly communicating online with another child, aged 12, whom he was attempting to entice into performing sexual acts.
The suspect underwent inquest proceedings before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Pampanga on July 1 for the filing of appropriate charges under Republic Act No. 11930.
The NBI said it is continuing its investigation and rescue operations to identify and locate other possible victims who may be connected to the suspect's alleged modus operandi.