Florida authorities charge 8 in international child exploitation ring led by Turkish national
Florida Department of Law Enforcement chart shows alleged Turkish ringleader Mehmet Berk Bozuyuk (warrant issued) at the top of an international child pornography network, with eight arrested suspects and one additional wanted individual displayed in a hierarchical structure, accessed on April 10, 2025. (Photo via Florida Office of Attorney General)
Florida authorities have dismantled an international child pornography network that operated across social media platforms, charging eight U.S.-based individuals and issuing arrest warrants for two others, including the ringleader based in Türkiye.
Turkish national accused of leading global network of child abuse
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday that Mehmet Berk Bozuyuk, a Turkish national, allegedly orchestrated the distribution of more than 6 terabytes of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to buyers around the world, including eight men in the United States.
“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,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “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.”
The investigation began when the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducted an undercover review of websites known to be used for distributing child pornography. Investigators discovered an advertisement offering more than 6 terabytes of illicit material for $100, which led them to uncover a network that had distributed over 1 million videos and images.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass warned potential offenders that authorities are vigilant. “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,” Glass said.
The operation employed a sophisticated money laundering scheme, according to investigators. At least four individuals allegedly worked as “money mules,” accepting payments from buyers primarily in Florida, keeping a percentage, and forwarding the rest to Bozuyuk in Türkiye. He reportedly then laundered these funds by purchasing access to unsuspecting victims’ financial accounts through the dark web.
Multiple arrests across US predominantly in Florida
Seven of the eight individuals arrested in the U.S. are Florida residents, charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering, purchasing child pornography, and using two-way communication devices to commit felonies. The eighth suspect, from New Jersey, faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Authorities have seized the domain of the website used to distribute the material, redirecting web traffic to FDLE to prevent further distribution.
Special Counsel Rita Peters from the Office of Statewide Prosecution will lead the prosecution of the case, which highlights growing concerns about the exploitation of mainstream social media platforms for distributing illegal content.
Law enforcement has also issued arrest warrants for Bozuyuk and Xiomara Del Real Maqueda of Oregon. Bozuyuk faces multiple charges including racketeering, money laundering, promotion of sexual performance by a child, selling child pornography, and distribution of obscene material.
The case underscores the challenges of combating international criminal networks exploiting digital platforms and the need for increased collaboration between law enforcement agencies worldwide.
