Turkish investigation finds no evidence against Florida child exploitation network leader

A Turkish man accused by U.S. authorities of leading a global child exploitation network has been released after questioning in Türkiye’s Adana, with local investigators finding no evidence linking him to the alleged crimes.

Mehmet Berk Bozuyuk, a married father of two, was detained following U.S. allegations that he operated as the mastermind behind an extensive dark web child abuse content network under the alias “John De Vil.”

“I learned about these allegations from newspapers and television, like everyone else. I’m very shocked,” Bozuyuk told authorities during interrogation.

“I have children of my own. My only crime was stealing social media accounts and selling them abroad.”

Turkish cybercrime investigators determined that Bozuyuk had been hacking dormant social media accounts created between 2008 and 2009 and selling them overseas. After examining his digital devices and mobile phone, authorities found no evidence of child exploitation material, according to local reports.

Following his court appearance, Bozuyuk was released under judicial control measures.

Florida child exploitation case, directing users from TikTok to dark web

The case stems from a major U.S. cybercrime operation that previously resulted in eight arrests and the seizure of 1.2 million video files.

The Florida Law Enforcement Department initiated the investigation last July after discovering suspicious advertisements on TikTok directing users to a dark website that charged $100 for access.

The operation led to the arrest of site administrator Krunalkumar Modi, 39, at his New Jersey home. Further investigation identified Ximena Maqueda as the alleged financial operator, though authorities have yet to locate her.

Analysis of seized devices allegedly linked Bozuyuk to the operation, with U.S. investigators claiming he used stolen identities to sell and distribute content through Maqueda.

INTERPOL subsequently issued a red notice for Bozuyuk on multiple charges, including racketeering, money laundering, and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

U.S. authorities allege that many victims were migrants abducted at the border who are being sought by their families internationally.

The operation previously resulted in the arrests of Brett Ryan Moore, Brett Allen Snodderly, Frankie Pineiro, Michael Andrew Warden, Jacob Ross Conly, Kody Vance Jordan, Israel Cole Thompson, and Krunalkumar Modi on various charges.