THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — A court in Greece has denied a U.S. extradition request for a 21-year-old American male, who is sought in connection with an online network alleged to target children for acts of violence and sexual exploitation. Authorities in the northern city of Thessaloniki announced on Wednesday that the request was turned down because the suspect is in the process of obtaining Greek citizenship.
The court's decision stemmed from the claim that extraditing a Greek national is prohibited. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is eligible for citizenship due to being the child of a Greek parent. His lawyer, Xanthippi Moisidou, informed The Associated Press of the court's ruling, stating that the panel of judges recognized his Greek nationality.
The suspect was arrested in April and is accused by U.S. authorities of involvement in a criminal online group known as 764. This group reportedly coerced children into committing violent acts and sexual abuse, which were then recorded and distributed across the internet. Despite the serious allegations, the suspect maintains his innocence.
In a related development, another individual was arrested in North Carolina just days prior as part of the same investigation into the network. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized the individuals involved as being part of “a network built on terror, abuse, and the deliberate targeting of children.”
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding child safety in the digital age, particularly relating to online platforms that can be misused for exploitation. The rejection of the extradition request complicates efforts by U.S. authorities to bring suspects to justice for crimes that can have devastating effects on young victims.
As the case unfolds, it raises critical issues about international law, jurisdiction, and the responsibilities of nations to address crimes against children, especially in the context of cross-border online offenses. The legal proceedings that follow in Greece will be watched closely as they could set precedents for similar cases involving extradition requests in the future.
