NBI nabs elusive child porn dealer

After a three-year hunt, a suspected member of an international child pornography ring was arrested yesterday by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco identified the arrested suspect as Benjamin Garcia, alias Andrew Francisco, of 1775-D Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila.

"His arrest capped a three-year hunt. He has long eluded online police investigators," Wycoco said.

The NBI said Garcia sells child pornography materials through the Internet and through electronic mail.

"The suspect is very popular among pedophile e-groups having posted sample images of child pornography which he claims he has in his possession," the NBI chief said.

According to the NBI, after an online negotiation, a customer buys materials from the suspect through money transfer. After the suspect receives the money, he sends the pornographic materials through the Internet.

The NBI said Garcia has been the subject of an intensive hunt since June 1999 when the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime first received information regarding his activities. However, an investigation conducted by then Chief Inspector Rex Acabado hit a blank wall due to technical difficulties.

Last May, the NBI’s International Police Division was able to pinpoint the suspect’s various locations of operation, including several cyber cafes. These were then placed under tight surveillance.

During the raid of the suspect’s apartment, NBI agents, who were armed with a search warrant issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Amelia Andrade, seized several compact discs, diskettes and magazines dealing mostly with child and homosexual pornography.

Also seized were various documents that included a list of his contacts abroad, a list of customers, and a list of websites where he allegedly posted the pornographic materials.

NBI Special Investigator Froilan Gaerlan, the case officer, said they are still evaluating the evidence seized so appropriate charges can be filed against the suspect.

According to the NBI, Garcia faces multiple charges for violations of the Child Abuse Act, indecent publication, violations of the Electronic Commerce Act and the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, for the importation and exportation of contraband materials.

Each violation carries a penalty of between six to 12 years imprisonment.

Wycoco vowed to continue with the campaign against child pornography, especially activities done through the Internet.