The Dark side

Description

“Welcome to Video”

This week we are going to have an “all in” research on Welcome to Video, a recently busted Child exploitation site on the dark web.

Due to the disturbing nature of this topic there are several areas you can explore that will allow you to avoid the horrific details of the crimes committed against children.

I have attached the DOJ charge sheet in the assignment area to get you started.

Research areas – Pick just one. Dig as deep as you like, but get enough to fill in at least part of the picture. No one needs to attempt to do it all. Gather the pieces and we will pull it together in discussion.

Choose from:

1. The Facts. Using the Charge sheet (included) as your kickoff point. Research the details of the crimes, the criminals or the victims.

a. Crimes: go beyond the charge sheet into crimes not listed, money laundering, trafficking, kidnapping. Follow the money.

b. Criminals: who are the operators? Who is the facilitator? Who are the consumers? Go beyond the names. Look for total numbers, geographics, communications? Networks? Linkage to criminal networks?

c. Victims: Totals? Geographics, histories, families. Disposition now?

2. The Technologies: Using the Charge Sheet as a kickoff, research the technologies that enabled this criminal enterprise.

a. Currency? How did consumers pay? How did providers get paid? Cryptocurrency? Other digital online currency ( linden dollars, V-bucks, bolivar )

b. What is the technological business model? Is it like “Napster” or torrent sites where users share content? Is a “marketplace” like eBay/Amazon? Is it a pay per view like Netflix? Or is it something altogether different and new?

c. How did users find and become members?

3. The Law & the Bigger Picture: Are there other similar child pornography, child exploitation, human trafficking, sex slave/worker arrest, investigations, and known sites or activities?

What are some of the national and international laws in place to help protect victims, or find and prosecute offenders.

What are some of the international and national governmental and non-governmental organizations established to help combat human trafficking and child exploitation? What are organizations established to help victims recover?

4. THE MEDIA & PUBLIC AWARENESS: THIS MAY BE THE HARDEST TO FIND. But one of the more important unpublished facts. ATTEMPT TO GATHER STATISTICS ON MEDIA COVERAGE OF THIS ONE INCIDENT “WELCOME TO VIDEO” . Look for print, online, and / or televised coverage.