Understanding Trust Building in Online Communities for Child-Attracted Persons: Implications for Law Enforcement

• In Event: Policing via Data and the Internet: Impacts and Challenges

Abstract

This presentation offers a comprehensive examination of online trust-building processes between perpetrators of child sexual abuse and undercover police officers. Drawing from in-depth interviews with investigators and analysis of 15 French case files, this study uncovers the complex dynamics of trust building in these illicit networks. The study includes insights from investigators from France, Belgium, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. Research in this area is challenging due to the sensitive nature of police operations, which makes it novel and unprecedented. By illuminating these mechanisms, this presentation aims to deepen our understanding of offenders’ behaviors and tactics online, providing critical insights for law enforcement strategies in combating child sexual abuse.

Author

• Manon Pamar, University of Montreal