Suspected Filipino Pedophile Arrested in Dubai

Authorities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, have arrested an alleged Filipino pedophile, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG said in its report on Wednesday that suspect Teddy Jay Mojeca Mejia engaged in sexual exploitation by selling child abuse and exploitation materials.

According to authorities, 111 victims have been identified.

Of the identified victims, 22 were rescued on September 9 during different rescue operations in Nueva Vizcaya; Quirino provinces; Taguig City; Bacoor, Cavite; Marilao, Bulacan; La Union; and Baguio City.

The suspect sold the victim’s child abuse and exploitation materials via Telegram to 19 foreigners from 10 countries and received payment via online wallets.

The victims were also forced to have sexual intercourse and threatened with the publication of their nude photos and videos if they did not follow the suspect’s instructions.

Mejia left for Dubai in 2021 and has not returned to the Philippines.

The suspect was arrested on the basis of the Red Notice issued by Interpol. He is also on the Red Notice list of the National Bureau of Investigation.

He is charged with rape of minor children, aggravated human trafficking and violation of RA 11930 or the Anti Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and Anti Child Sexual Abuse pr Exploitation Materials Act.

He was previously arrested in 2014 and 2015 for violating the Child Abuse Act and for prohibiting photo and video voyeurism.

Authorities have identified a total of seven suspects, four of whom have been arrested, including Mejia.

— Mariel Celine Serquiña/VAL, GMA Integrated News