Mr. Unsit Sampuntharat, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), discussed the arrest of 4 members of the “Sex Creator” group involved in the sexual exploitation of minors for online human trafficking. He also highlighted the rescue of a potential victim by multi-agency special team.
On 19 January 2024. Mr. Unsit Sampuntharat, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), announced the arrest of an online human trafficking group called
“Sex Creator,” where a minor under 18 years old was found to be a victim of sexual exploitation. The case was reported through Ministry of Interior (MOI)’s Damrongdhama Center, after which Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul ordered a setup of special operation unit comprising DOPA officers, cyber police, the Central Institute of Forensic Science, and the Immanuel Foundation.
With search and arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court, the special operation unit targeted 4 different locations and apprehended 4 members of Sex Creator. The group is accused of sexually exploiting minors by filming child pornographies and publishing them online through exclusive groups on X (Twitter) and OnlyFans.
The investigation revealed 5 charges against the arrested individuals:
- Possession of child pornography for sexual benefit for oneself or others, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding five years and/or a fine not exceeding 100,000 baht.
- Distributing child pornography, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding seven years and/or a fine not exceeding 140,000 baht.
- Producing, possessing, importing, exporting, or distributing child pornography for commercial purposes, punishable by 3-10 years in prison and a fine from 60,000 to 200,000 baht.
- Importing and distributing sexually explicit contents into a computer system accessible by the public, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding five years and/or a fine not exceeding 100,000 baht.
- Human trafficking offenses involving the exploitation of minors aged over 15 but under 18 years for the production or distribution of pornographic materials, punishable by 6-15 years in prison and a fine from 600,000 to 1.5 million baht.
On the same day, DOPA special operation team, together with administrative officials and social workers from Bang Lamung District of Chonburi province, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) officials, and social workers from the Immanuel Foundation, also rescued a 16-year-old potential victim. She was brought into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for screening, separation, protection and rehabilitation of human trafficking victims.
Initial interviews revealed that the victim was lured by a group of friends at a club in Rangsit area to participate in filming where she was paid for her appearance in the explicit video without knowing that the video would be sold online. The victim also mentioned that there are still a number of her friends involving in similar activities, which the multidisciplinary team will continue to investigate, according to Director-General Unsit.
As of 21 January 2024, the perpetrators have been remanded in custody with their bail denied. Director-General Unsit confirmed that they have admitted to producing explicit content but denied the intention to deceive minors under 18. Authorities also have information indicating that young individuals involved were introduced to the Sex Creator group by friends. They were paid and aware of the recordings, but unaware of the distribution of video clips online.
To report any suspected human trafficking activities, contact the provincial Damrongdhama Centers or call hotline 1567 for free 24/7 (Damrongdhama Center of the Ministry of Interior). All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
*This is a developing story. Please check back for more information*
Sources: https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/3097903/
Sources: https://news.ch7.com/detail/700431
