A 36-year-old man, suspected of creating fake profiles on the internet to sexually abuse and blackmail children and adolescents, has been arrested in Crateús, Ceará, at the request of the Mato Grosso Civil Police on Saturday, October 14. Investigations revealed that he may have had over 50 victims across the country. The case began in April of the previous year when the family of an 11-year-old girl reported that she was forced to post a revealing image of herself on social media.

According to the police report, the investigation was led by the Alto Araguaia Police Station, located 426 km from Cuiabá. After the girl’s distressing experience, which included bullying at school, the local police were able to uncover a pattern in the suspect's methods of operation. The girl’s family sought help after noticing significant emotional distress and embarrassment she suffered from the bullying, which led them to report the incident to the authorities.

The case highlights the severe risks that children and adolescents face online, particularly with respect to exploitation and harassment. The police are now investigating the extent of the suspect’s activities and his potential links to other cases, emphasizing the importance of digital safety and the need for greater awareness among parents and guardians regarding online threats to children.