3 Filipino cruise ship employees nabbed in Florida over child porn

NEW YORK — Three Filipino employees of a cruise ship have been apprehended in Florida on charges related to child pornography, according to Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

The arrest came after an exhaustive investigation carried out by the US Department of Homeland Security Investigations Task Force and United States Custom and Boarder Protection.

The three — identified as Tirso Neri 44; Alvin Gonzales 49; and Amiel Trazo, 28 — are now facing charges in southern district court of Florida.

Neri's arrest was prompted by the discovery of a file folder on his mobile phone containing explicit images and videos of children aged 9 to 14. During questioning, Neri confessed to obtaining the folder from social media and claimed to be unaware of its contents.

Authorities also confiscated explicit images from Trazo.

According to court records, federal agents seized Trazo's two smartphones at Port Everglades, Florida, where they discovered disturbing materials depicting sexual abuse of minors aged 12-14.

A thorough forensic examination revealed further incriminating evidence, including a video showing an adult engaging in sexual activity with a child. 

Trazo admitted to disseminating these videos to friends and his girlfriend via messenger, acknowledging the gravity of his actions and citing a need for assistance, citing religious beliefs in conflict with his behavior.

Additionally, the Homeland Security Investigation Task Force discovered an eight-minute sex video involving a minor, believed to be aged 8 to 10 years, on Gonzales' electronic device.

The three Filipinos are currently being charge with possession and transportation of child pornography. 

While bail was denied for Neri and Trazo, Gonzales was granted bail of $20,000, pending trial.

A report on New York Post citing a spokesperson for the cruise line said Neri is no longer a part of the company.

The same report said Neri, Gonzales and Trazo are "from the Philippines."  —KBK, GMA Integrated News