Man Arrested After Allegedly Using Facebook to Exploit Minors
A man is in custody, accused of using Facebook to sexually exploit at least 15 underage boys. The arrest, announced yesterday, comes after a six-month surveillance operation by the Public Order Military Police.
The suspect, identified as Mártir Alexander Martínez Castillo, who hails from Choluteca, allegedly operated from his residence in the residential area of The Chestnut Trees of Choloma, where he was apprehended.
In a press release, a spokesperson for the Military Police explained, “The capture comes after six months of surveillance.”
Further investigation revealed that Martínez Castillo targeted young males through Facebook. He allegedly promised them money in exchange for performing sexual acts that he would then record.
“Investigations indicate that this person contacted the minors, all men, through Facebook, whom he convinced in exchange for money to perform sexual acts and record them,” said the spokesperson.
Two cell phones were confiscated diuring the arrest. These devices contained visual material confirming the sexual abuse of minors.
Case Now in the Hands of the Prosecutor’s Office.
What specific measures can social media platforms implement to strengthen their age verification systems and prevent underage users from accessing harmful content?
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert on online child safety. Dr. Carter, this recent arrest highlights the disturbing reality of social media platforms being used for child exploitation. What are your thoughts on this case, and what can be done to prevent such tragedies?
**Dr. Carter:** This case is deeply troubling, but unfortunately not unique. Predators are increasingly turning to platforms like Facebook to target vulnerable children. While Facebook has taken steps to remove exploitative content, clearly more needs to be done. Stronger age verification methods, stricter content moderation policies, and increased cooperation with law enforcement are crucial.
**Interviewer:** Many viewers might be wondering, should social media platforms bear more responsibility for protecting children on their sites?
