To jail fake soccer coach and referee accused of producing and distributing child sexual abuse material in Santander

A Colombian football coach and referee has been arrested in the northern city of Girón, Santander, accused of producing and distributing child pornography. The suspect, Edwin Fabián Cardona Baquero, operates in vulnerable areas of Bucaramanga’s metropolitan zone and allegedly led a network involving the exploitation of minors. A judge issued a precautionary measure placing him in custody following an investigation coordinated with the National Prosecutor's Office Special Unit Against Crimes Against Children, Adolescents, and Women (UENNA). The operation was carried out by national police officers in Girón after months of investigation. Authorities seized three mobile phones, seven USB drives, and a laptop containing evidence of explicit content and a network of contacts used to share files. According to court records, the alleged crimes spanned from 2023 to 2026. Cardona Baquero exploited his position as a sports trainer and close ties with community leaders to gain trust among children and adolescents in socially vulnerable sectors. In addition to using his role as a coach, the suspect falsely presented himself as the owner of a modeling agency, promising employment opportunities and career advancement to young women. Under this guise, he persuaded them to pose for photographs and videos in intimate settings. The collected photographic and video evidence shows that he used these victims to produce explicit content, which he stored and distributed through messaging apps on mobile devices. During the arrest, authorities found digital devices containing detailed records of his activities and connections within the distribution network. Despite the strength of the evidence, the accused did not admit guilt. However, due to the severity of the offense, the risk posed to society, and the need to protect the victims, the judge accepted the prosecutor’s request and ordered immediate transfer to a detention facility while the trial proceeds. The case highlights the growing concern over online exploitation and the abuse of positions of trust in communities. It also underscores the importance of specialized units such as UENNA in addressing crimes against children and adolescents. The legal proceedings will determine the full extent of the charges and potential penalties, reflecting broader efforts to combat child exploitation in both physical and digital spaces.