‘A lasting scar:’ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central Florida

An investigation into a child sexual abuse material (CSAM) crime ring in Florida left seven people in jail, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

In a release on Monday, FDLE officials said the investigation began in July 2024, with an agent conducting a “proactive criminal review” of a website that was known to advertise CSAM.

After identifying a user on the site selling CSAM, the agent launched a full investigation, uncovering several listings from that same seller, the release states.

The FDLE worked with the office of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to shut down the website within a week, resulting in the arrest of a New Jersey man, investigators explained.

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“Agents identified the suspect to be Krunalkumar Modi, 39, of New Jersey,” the release reads. “A search warrant was issued for Modi’s residence.”

As a result, Modi was arrested on July 31 and charged with 100 counts of promoting sexual performance by a child; five counts of distribution of obscene material; and two counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

But that’s not where the investigation ended.

Instead, FDLE investigators announced Modi was part of a large CSAM distribution ring headed by a figure called “John De Vil” — a man eventually identified as Mehmet Bozuyuk, who lives in Adana, Turkey.

“Bozuyuk used several identities that he stole from innocent citizens in many countries,” the release continues. “Using the stolen identities, Bozuyuk facilitated the global sale and distribution of CSAM through money mules like Modi, and Ximena Maqueda, an Oregon resident.”

The investigation into this crime ring required FDLE agents to work with several global law enforcement agencies — including police in Montreal, Canada — to identify the crime syndicate’s associates and victims, state officials declared.

According to the FDLE, the investigation also resulted in the arrest of seven “customers” of the CSAM ring living in Florida.

These suspects were identified as follows:

• Brett Ryan Moore, 40, of Orange City
• Brett Allen Snodderly, 46, of Clearwater
• Frankie Pineiro, Jr., 27, of Groveland
• Michael Andrew Warden, 31, of Kissimmee
• Jacob Ross Conly, 24, of Fern Park
• Kody Vance Jordan-Muti, 30, of Palm Bay
• Israel Cole Thompson, 32, of Lakeland

FDLE officials said that these suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit RICO, purchase of CSAM, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Meanwhile, FDLE officials also said that arrest warrants are still active for Maqueda and Bozuyuk.

“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,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said. “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.”

For tips to keep children safe online, the FDLE urges parents to click here.