Kyiv Man Arrested for Selling Child Pornography via Messaging App

Suspect Charged with Possession and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

According to Главком: A 26-year-old man in Kyiv has been formally charged with storing and selling child pornography through a messaging platform. According to law enforcement, in February 2026 he sold two pornographic video files depicting minors. The materials had been saved on the suspect’s mobile phone for several years, and a forensic examination confirmed that the transmitted files constituted child pornography.

The suspect is currently in custody. Investigators state that the relevant article carries a prison sentence of eight to twelve years. The pretrial investigation is being conducted by detectives from the Holosiivskyi Police Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kyiv.

Additional Suspects Uncovered

Separately, authorities in the capital have identified a 46-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man on suspicion of storing and distributing pornographic material, including content involving children. The case materials also revealed images of the woman’s daughter, who is now an adult.

According to statistics, during the first nine months of 2025, nearly 1,500 criminal proceedings were opened in Ukraine under Article 301 of the Criminal Code, which addresses the production, distribution, and sale of pornographic materials. Specifically, 1,498 cases were recorded-a 13% increase compared to the same period the previous year, when 1,320 cases were opened. Roughly half of all 2025 cases occurred in January and March.

This case is part of a broader trend in Ukraine, where the number of criminal proceedings related to pornography-particularly involving children-is on the rise.

Given the severity of crimes involving child sexual abuse material, law enforcement agencies are intensifying their investigative efforts, reflecting growing public concern over protecting children from exploitation. It is essential that society continues to support initiatives aimed at combating these crimes and safeguarding children’s rights.

As the investigation into child pornography cases intensifies, it's crucial to understand the broader implications of such crimes. Recently, a Kyiv court imposed a seven-year sentence on a man convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl, highlighting the urgent need for stricter measures against sexual offenses. For more details on this case and its impact on the fight against sexual violence, read about the recent court ruling in Kyiv.