Online Predator’s life sentence for global child exploitation

A Northern Irish computer science student, Alexander McCartney, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating global sexual abuse and blackmail of children over the internet. His actions, carried out from his family home, included deceptive grooming tactics on platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram.

McCartney’s operations resulted in the casualties of approximately 3,500 children in 30 countries, including Britain, the US, Ireland and Australia. His manipulation led to some victims even involving younger siblings. This widespread abuse tragically led to the suicides of a twelve-year-old American girl and her father.

During the investigation, authorities seized 64 electronic devices containing numerous indecent images and videos collected by McCartney. McCartney was eligible for possible release in 2039 and stood in court with his head bowed as the extensive nature of his crimes was recounted.

(With input from agencies.)