Another victory in our 7.5 year history of stopping predators

ORLANDO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 2, 2026 / The Innocent Lives Foundation (ILF), a nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by cybersecurity and human behavior expert Christopher Hadnagy, and Chairman of the Board, Timothy Maloney, has supported a successful international investigation that resulted in the arrest of an individual responsible for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The case began when ILF investigators identified a user operating on a dark web platform who openly boasted about possessing extensive quantities of CSAM and claimed to have produced exploitative content involving his own children. Upon discovery, ILF immediately initiated a comprehensive open-source intelligence and digital investigative effort to determine the individual's identity and geographic location.

Over the course of an intensive multi-week investigative process, ILF analysts leveraged advanced digital tracing techniques, behavioral analysis, and lawful open-source intelligence methods to narrow down and ultimately identify a suspect residing in a foreign country. Due to the international nature of the case, ILF's Law Enforcement Liaison worked swiftly to establish formal communication channels with appropriate federal authorities in that jurisdiction.

Within days of establishing contact, ILF provided a detailed investigative report outlining its findings, digital correlations, behavioral indicators, and supporting intelligence. That report contributed to the launch of a formal investigation by federal authorities overseas.

The subsequent investigation led to a coordinated sting operation and the arrest of the suspect. Following the seizure of the suspect's technology devices, law enforcement authorities reportedly discovered approximately four terabytes of child sexual abuse material in his possession.

Authorities have indicated that the volume and severity of the material will likely result in significant criminal charges and a substantial custodial sentence. Most importantly, the arrest has prevented further harm to vulnerable children.

"The mission of the Innocent Lives Foundation has always been simple," said Joy Beland, longtime supporter and board member of ILF. "Use the skills of the cybersecurity and human behavior community to protect children who cannot protect themselves. In this case, collaboration across borders and between dedicated volunteers and law enforcement professionals ensured that a dangerous individual was stopped."

Since its founding in 2017, ILF has partnered with law enforcement agencies domestically and internationally, providing actionable intelligence derived from lawful open-source investigations into individuals engaged in the exploitation and trafficking of children. ILF does not conduct arrests or vigilante actions. Instead, the organization focuses exclusively on identifying credible threats and delivering structured, legally sound reports to law enforcement partners.

"ILF provides cybersecurity experts with the opportunity to use their skills to make the digital world a safer place." Says May Brooks-Kempler, a cybersecurity expert, ILF board member and ISC2 board member. "It gives professional a sense of purpose, helps law enforcement, and makes a real impact".

This case highlights the power of coordinated international cooperation in combating online child exploitation. The Innocent Lives Foundation extends its deepest respect and appreciation to the federal authorities and investigative professionals whose diligence and courage resulted in this outcome.

ILF remains committed to its core mission: identifying predators, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring that children remain safe, regardless of geographic boundaries.

About The Innocent Lives Foundation

Founded in 2017, The Innocent Lives Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization composed of volunteer cybersecurity professionals, investigators, and analysts dedicated to identifying individuals involved in child exploitation and supporting law enforcement efforts worldwide. Through lawful open-source intelligence methods and structured investigative reporting, ILF works to help ensure that children are protected from abuse and trafficking.

For media inquiries, please contact:

info@innocentlivesfoundation.org
www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

SOURCE: The Innocent Lives Foundation