Harsh Penalties Await Those Caught Distributing Child Pornography

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is warning the public against the illegal circulation of explicit material involving minors, following reports of a video featuring high school students being shared across digital platforms.

Law enforcement officials stress that the possession, transmission, or distribution of such content constitutes a serious criminal offense under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2014. The law prohibits using a computer to “distribute, transmit, disseminate, circulate, exhibit, deliver [or] procure” material depicting child abuse, which includes child pornography.

Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis, who heads the Criminal Investigations Department, noted that recent amendments to the law have broadened the legal definition of a “computer” to include mobile phones, digital video recorders, and closed-circuit television systems. As a result, individuals who store or share such material via their smartphones are equally liable under the law.

Violators face severe penalties. Those convicted in the Magistrate’s Court could receive a fine of up to $200,000, up to seven years in prison, or both. More serious cases tried in the High Court could result in fines of up to $500,000, up to 14 years in prison, or both.

The RVIPF has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy toward child exploitation materials and vows to take swift action against those involved in their creation, distribution, or possession.

“We urge the public to act responsibly and refrain from sharing or storing explicit content involving minors. Anyone caught engaging in this activity will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Davis said in a statement.

Authorities are also urging individuals who have received such material to delete it immediately and refrain from further circulation. Parents, educators, and guardians are encouraged to have open discussions with young people about the legal and personal consequences of engaging in or distributing explicit content.

For further information, individuals may contact the RVIPF Family and Juvenile Unit at 368-9401. Reports can be made confidentially through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, for international callers, at (284) 800-8477. The RVIPF Intelligence Unit can also be reached at 368-9339.

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