This was done by these victims, as a result of which several child pornographic images of the girls were found on the suspect. “It was a hoop that someone had to jump through,” he describes. When the girls didn’t do this, they were usually blocked.
In addition to these twenty-five identified victims, according to the investigation, there are at least 10 to 20 other victims who have not yet been identified and are not included in the charges.
Suspect himself warns against Snapchat
A striking moment during the hearing is when the man in the suspects’ bench himself warns about Snapchat. “I take full responsibility for it, but the contact was facilitated by Snapchat.”
“I wish Snapchat would also do a safety campaign like what Instagram has done.” Parents can then better monitor their children’s use of the app. “If Snapchat were to do the same, it would save many victims.” From the public gallery, parents of the victims reacted indignantly to this statement.
Sadness and anger in parents
The sadness and anger of the parents in court is palpable, especially when they exercise their right to speak. “Why did you do this? I didn’t want this and I don’t understand why you used me for this,” the father of one of the victims reads his daughter’s statement, fighting back tears. “I think you’re stupid and I hope you go to jail.”
“It’s a shame he doesn’t look at me,” says a mother of another victim angrily, after which the suspect turns around at the judge’s request and looks straight into her eyes. “You felt damn well how sophisticated you worked. You come across to us as a calculating and manipulative pedophile.”
The sentencing will follow tomorrow.