Online predators use internet games to lure young

A 12-year-old New Zealand girl was recently persuaded to send 300 sexually explicit photos of herself over the internet in exchange for points on a gaming site.

The discovery came after USA authorities advised the New Zealand Customs Service that 300 objectionable images were uploaded from a New Zealand email address to a web-based US photo account.

Customs executed a search warrant, assisted by the New Zealand Police Child Abuse Team, and identified a 12-year-old New Zealand girl as the likely sender.

The girl’s account was hacked which resulted in the loss of her game credits. She was contacted by an anonymous game player who offered to restore the credits she had lost. In return, the girl was asked to send sexually explicit photographs of herself to the player. Over time, these requests become more graphic in nature.

Following this investigation, information was provided to US and Canadian authorities and they are still investigating the suspect.

Customs Manager of Investigations, Terry Brown says parents need to be aware of what their children are doing on the internet.

"Once images are on the web they are effectively there forever.”

Interpol Online Child Abuse Investigator, Mick Moran said in an interview with Radio New Zealand “we’re seeing a huge increase in self-taken child pornography.”

“There are self-taken child abuse images, children are taking images of themselves … and posting them online.”

Terry Brown said Customs investigators found that online games provided an easy means for children to be groomed by sexual offenders.

"Images of child exploitation such as those present in this case may lead on to actual physical offending.” Mr Brown said.

“We need to protect our children by making sure they know what the dangers are.”

Mr Brown said Customs, the Department of Internal Affairs and the Police were all working together to combat exploitation of children and catch sexual predators.

“Our communities need to be educated that online sexual abuse of children is happening in our society.”