Ex-Cybersecurity director Timothy DeFoggi was found guilty of child pornography charges and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, while the hunting of similar cases remains high priority for the FBI.

Ex Federal Director was sentenced to 25-years’ imprisonment, after being convicted for child pornography. Ongoing prosecutions and trials aim at eliminating the threat that finds shelter in sites ensuring anonymity through encryption, with the FBI being determined to wipe out the danger.

Shocking and disturbing news, as an ex-cybersecurity director at the US Department of Health and Human Services was convicted to 25 years of imprisonment. What is shocking is of course the charge for his conviction, as he has been found guilty of having engaged in child pornography.

Using Tor back in 2012, the 56-year-old former federal expert exploited his own knowledge and the methods that he had been dealing with in his field of profession. The ex director, whose name is Timothy DeFoggi, used Tor for gaining anonymity and being able to surf the web towards finding the illegal content he wished to. The trial was held in Nebraska and the evidence presented there was compelling, so there was no doubt as to the guilt of DeFoggi.

The sentence was decided on 26th August, with the press release being made available to the public on 5th January. According to Assistant Attorney General Caldwell, who commented on the sentence: “Using the same technological expertise he employed as Acting Director of Cyber Security at HHS, DeFoggi attempted to sexually exploit children and traffic in child pornography through an anonymous computer network of child predators. But dangerous criminals cannot be allowed to operate on-line with impunity. Today’s sentence shows that the Department of Justice will bring criminals and child predators to justice, even when they employ anonymous networks like Tor.”

This is not the first conviction for child pornography sites using Tor to cover their tracks, as five more people have been arrested and convicted of similar charges. Taking full advantage of the sites, users found out how they would best encrypt their data and remain anonymous on the web, as well as how they would shield their illegal collections on their computers with strong passwords.

Special Agent in Charge Metz said as to the conviction of DeFoggi: “The production and distribution of child pornography is one of the most saddening, tragic crimes the FBI investigates. Today’s sentencing sends a message to those who advertise, distribute, possess, and trade child pornography that the FBI will look for you, will find you and will make sure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

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