German National Arrested in Thailand for Selling Child Pornography on Dark Web

The suspect, identified only as Steffen, is arrested on March 5 in Chonburi province after a months-long international investigation on the actual dark web sites containing illegal material

Thai police, in collaboration with US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have arrested a German national involved in operating multiple dark web platforms distributing child sexual abuse material. The arrest followed an extensive international investigation, culminating in the suspect’s capture on March 5 in Chonburi province.

The suspect, identified as Steffen, was found in possession of 36 items of evidence, including computer servers, laptops, mobile phones, storage devices, and bank account details. A digital forensic examination uncovered more than 140,000 files containing illicit material.

According to law enforcement officials, the investigation began in December 2024 when HSI alerted Thai authorities to suspicious dark web activities linked to Thailand. Further inquiries identified Steffen, a retired programmer who had relocated to Thailand and established two dark web platforms featuring over 5,000 exploitative videos, primarily involving minors.

Screenshot showing the interface of one of the dark web platforms operated by the suspect, with sensitive content redacted. The site was one of two containing over 5,000 illegal videos.

The platforms operated on a subscription model requiring cryptocurrency payments, with a minimum entry fee of $10 in Bitcoin or Monero. Investigators estimate that the suspect had approximately 10,000 registered members. Payments received in cryptocurrency were laundered through multiple digital wallets before being converted to Thai baht for personal use, with authorities estimating his total earnings at around $100,000.

During questioning, Steffen admitted to using his programming expertise to create and manage the websites using Tor control panel and WampServer software. Investigators also discovered that he was selling spyware on the dark web for $16.95 per month (approximately 572 baht). This spyware enabled users to capture phone conversations, keystrokes, notifications, location data, and access files on compromised devices.

The suspect faces multiple charges, including possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, importing and exporting illicit content, operating a commercial enterprise involving exploitative material, and inputting illegal computer data accessible to the public.

Authorities confirmed that Steffen had also overstayed his visa. He will be prosecuted in Thailand, and upon completion of his sentence, he will be deported and permanently blacklisted.