German-Iranian Man Arrested for Cybergrooming Children in Disturbing Online Abuse Case

The suspect allegedly coerced his targets into sexual acts and self-harm in live chats

A 20-year-old German-Iranian man has been arrested in Hamburg on suspicion of orchestrating a horrific online campaign of cybergrooming and virtual sexual abuse targeting children as young as 11, including coercing a 13-year-old American boy to attempt suicide on livestream, authorities revealed Wednesday.

The suspect, whose identity remains protected under German privacy laws, was taken into custody Tuesday at his parents' apartment following an extensive investigation. Prosecutors allege he operated under the alias "White Tiger" as part of "764," an online network the FBI links to the virtual exploitation of minors.

Hamburg authorities detailed 120 alleged crimes against eight victims aged 11-15 from Germany, England, Canada, and the U.S. Among the most disturbing accusations: manipulating a Canadian 14-year-old into a suicide attempt and using another minor to pressure the American teen.

"The acts exceed human imagination," said Hamburg Attorney General Jörg Fröhlich at a press conference. Investigators say the suspect hunted vulnerable children in suicide forums between 2021-2023, forcing them to create violent and pornographic content during live chats. Victims were reportedly made to self-harm until bleeding while the suspect recorded these acts as "trophies," later using the footage to blackmail them into further abuse.

Police disclosed the suspect employed psychological terror tactics, threatening to leak recordings unless victims performed increasingly extreme acts on camera. "These are depths that are difficult to bear," remarked Hamburg police chief Falk Schnabel.

While the suspect denied wrongdoing during a closed-door court appearance, authorities hope publicizing the case will deter similar crimes. "We hope this arrest sends a strong message within these online communities," Fröhlich added.

Prosecutors are now reviewing whether to file formal charges as international investigations continue into the "764" network's activities.