FBI explain why they are in South Africa

FBI explain why they are in South Africa

FBI explain why they are in South Africa 1

Reports that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are in South Africa has gripped social media.

Many people have been speculating but clarity has now been given as to why the FBI are in the country.

According to the Weekend Argus, the FBI is in the country as part of continuous investigations taking place in South Africa.

Nick Hersh, the media representative of the US Embassy in Pretoria, where the FBI has offices, spoke to Weekend Argus after the publication broke the news of the arrest of a 32-year-old Bonteheuwel mother who allegedly sold photographs of her naked 4-year-old daughter on the dark web.

FBI explain why they are in South Africa 2

An agent from Homeland Security pretended to be a buyer and traced her to Bonteheuwel via geotagging after she allegedly received payments through online pay platform PayPal.

The woman was arrested in March and is expected back at the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on August 19.

“The mission of the FBI overseas is to work with host nation law enforcement partners to address investigations of mutual interest. While we cannot comment on ongoing investigations, it’s important to note that the FBI does not have any law enforcement authority overseas and that suspects are taken into custody by the SAPS,” said Hersh.

Hersh would not comment on the number of investigations under way in South Africa.

FBI explain why they are in South Africa 3

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the investigation was still under way with a list of charges.

The suspect has five children all under the age of 12, who have since been placed in the care of family members.

Neighbours said the suspect was known in the street for allegedly making her own pornographic home videos involving adults.

FBI explain why they are in South Africa 4

“That morning we just saw people stopping in black SUVs in front of the house,” said the neighbour, who asked not to be identified. “She was arrested the same day and never came back home. We heard afterwards it was the FBI, people from Interpol, who came to arrest her.

FBI explain why they are in South Africa 5

“But this pornography issue is not the first time she is involved. She used to make videos of herself with adults from the community, I saw one of these videos.”

The woman’s family, who declined to comment, said they were shocked.

Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition) Sat, 31 Jul 2021

https://pressreader.com/article/281479279454724