A Canadian man has been sentenced to 33 years in prison for orchestrating a widespread sextortion scheme that ensnared over 100 minors across the United States. Ramanan Pathmanathan, aged 40, was convicted in U.S. District Court after pleading guilty in January to one count of production of child pornography and another of coercion and enticement of a minor.
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The sentencing took place on May 27, 2023, with federal prosecutors describing Pathmanathan’s actions as a deliberate effort to target and exploit children online. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasised the severity of his crimes, stating that he “methodically hunted children online” and preyed on victims as young as six years old. She expressed gratitude for the cooperation between U.S. and Canadian authorities, which ensured that Pathmanathan faced justice across international borders.
Pathmanathan, who presented himself as a teenage boy named “Brett” from New Jersey, primarily engaged with minors through various social media platforms, notably Instagram and Facebook Messenger. It is reported that he coerced minors into performing sexually explicit acts during video chats, commanding them to expose their genitals and engage in sexual acts with animals and relatives. In many instances, he sent the victims explicit images to instruct them on how to fulfil his requests.
Disturbingly, Pathmanathan recorded these interactions and stored the footage on his computer. The situation escalated when some of the minors attempted to withdraw from these interactions or blocked him on social media. He resorted to threatening them with the release of videos to their friends or family if they did not comply with his demands.
The criminal activity persisted for seven years before Pathmanathan’s arrest in March 2021. The investigation began when the mother of one victim reported a persistent online stalker forcing her daughter into sexual acts via livestream. Subsequent investigations traced the activities back to Pathmanathan, who was residing with his family in Toronto at the time.
Although Pathmanathan denied having a sexual interest in children, he acknowledged accessing the Dark Web for violent and explicit content, including incest-themed material. His defence lawyers claimed he had initially found success in poker before succumbing to significant losses, leading him to gamble recklessly and ultimately become increasingly isolated, spending most of his time online.
Federal authorities have mandated that, in addition to his prison sentence, Pathmanathan will serve 10 years of supervised release post-incarceration and will be required to register as a sex offender. His case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers children face online and the implications of predatory behaviour that can transcend borders.
Through this case, U.S. authorities have reinforced their commitment to prosecuting individuals who exploit children, regardless of their origin. With Pathmanathan’s extensive sentence, there is hope that justice has been served, providing some measure of security for the vulnerable individuals he victimised.
As the issue of child exploitation continues to be a growing concern, it is vital for parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s online activities. Awareness and open communication about internet safety can play pivotal roles in preventing similar tragic cases in the future. Individuals who suspect child abuse are encouraged to reach out for help. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 for support in more than 170 languages.