KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has approximately 3,600 active investigations across the state.

This special task force is made up of a sergeant, three investigators, two computer forensic experts and its commander, Lieutenant Andrew Boatman.

“Our unit will sort information based on the severity of the crime, the possibility of finding a victim alive and the possibility of continued abuse,” Boatman said.

The ICAC case stream comes from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Tennessee unit has sent just over 17,000 reports this year.

“One of the biggest challenges we face right now is the emergence of financial sextortion cases,” Boatman told WVLT News.

Financial sextortion occurs when foreign actors connect with teenagers online, posing as one of their peers. The predator forms a relationship with them, eventually leading them to send explicit photos or videos. The predator then threatens to publish this material unless the victim pays him in money or gift cards.

“The effect that this can have on children at such a vulnerable age can go as far as suicide,” Boatman said. Investigators have been able to identify at least 38 cases of suicide across the country this year directly linked to financial sextortion.

Investigators must keep up with evolving technology to stay ahead of online criminals.

There are 61 ICAC working groups across the country. Through the use of this network, agencies can exercise jurisdiction over most of the Internet.

Last year in the state of Tennessee, 60 children were saved from ongoing abuse through the work of ICAC.

If you would like to submit cyber information to ICAC, click here.

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