Operation Predator App turns 2

Protecting children from online sexual predators is one of the highest priorities within the mission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). To combat those efforts, Operation Predator was created in 2003 as the agency's flagship initiative to combat the sexual exploitation of children.

In 12 years since the launch, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has arrested more than 10,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors and sex trafficking of children.

In September 2013, the success of Operation Predator received an additional boost with the creation of the Operation Predator App. With the ever-changing technology landscape, ICE made a bold move to keep up with the times and stay ahead of those looking to prey on children in the online space. At the time of its creation, the Predator App was the first of its kind used by any U.S. federal law enforcement agency.

As the Predator App celebrates its second birthday this week, its effectiveness was on full display on July 24, when Jeremiah Malfroid was sentenced to 18 years in prison following pleading guilty to the production of child pornography in April.

The sentence came after an investigation by HSI, in a joint effort in conjunction with the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task (ICAC), that resulted in the discovery of nearly 300 files of child pornography. Malfroid's identification and subsequent arrest came as a result of him being profiled on the Predator App. After being charged in the Southern District of Ohio for production, receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography, Malfroid was added to the app. He absconded after the ICAC search and investigators believed he was in Northern California.

Authorities followed up on several tips in the intervening months and began to close in on Malfroid's exact whereabouts. On Dec. 9, 2014, a user-generated Facebook post indicating Malfroid's fugitive status was created using content published by ICE and information from Malfroid's app profile. By Dec. 15, the post had been shared nearly 200,000 times. Authorities believe the additional pressure from social media contributed heavily to Malfroid's surrender.

"Having the public's help through social media continues to be a game changer for law enforcement," Marlon Miller, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Detroit said at the time.

The Predator App enables users to receive alerts about wanted predators like Malfroid. In just two years, it has provided a platform to share the information with friends via email and social media tools, and to HSI by calling or submitting an online tip. Additionally, the app allows users to view news about arrests and prosecutions of child predators and additional resources about ICE and its global partners in the fight against child exploitation.

In its short existence, the Predator App has also been recognized by industry leaders as an effective online tool. In 2014, it received honorable mention for "Best App" in the PR News' Social Media Icon Awards in New York City.

The original goal of the app was to take fugitive child predators off the streets. With effective collaboration between the government and the American people the Predator App has been a success.

Here's to many more birthdays.

The app is available for both iOS and Android smartphone devices. Download the app through Apple's App Store or iTunes, or the Google Play store.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.

HSI is a founding member and current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.