Puerto Rico Reactivates Cybercrime Unit to Combat Online Exploitation of Minors

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) in Puerto Rico has reactivated the Citizen Guidance Office Against Obscenity and Child Pornography, responding to a significant increase in online sexual exploitation of minors. This initiative aims to strengthen prevention, control, and education efforts against these crimes on digital platforms.

Combating a Growing Threat

The reactivation addresses a concerning trend of increased attempts to sexually abuse and exploit minors online, a phenomenon observed not only in Puerto Rico but also in the United States, Europe, and Asia. According to statistics from the United States Sentencing Commission, sexual exploitation of minors has increased by 62.5% since 2020. During the last federal fiscal year (October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025), a record 1,375 sentences were recorded in cases related to child pornography.

A 2023 study by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children revealed that one in nine minors between the ages of 10 and 17 have been approached with offers of a sexual nature through electronic means.

Office Functions and Responsibilities

The Citizen Guidance Office will focus on:

• Receiving and confidentially channeling complaints related to obscene or child exploitation content.
• Identifying emerging patterns and modalities on digital platforms.
• Developing educational campaigns for parents and guardians.
• Referring information to state and federal law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution.

Interagency Collaboration

The DACO will collaborate with various state and federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Puerto Rico Police, the Office of Innovation and Technology Services (PRITS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Reymerik Aponte has been appointed to lead the Office and coordinate these interagency efforts.

Legal Framework

The Citizen Guidance Office was originally established under Law No. 142 of August 9, 2002, known as the Law of the Citizen Guidance Office on Protection of Computer Privacy and Against Obscenity and Child Pornography on Radio, Television and the Internet.

Resources and Contact Information

For more information, visit www.daco.pr.gov. Consumers can also call (787) 722-7555, visit one of DACO’s five regional offices, or follow DACO on social media @dacotufavor.