A groundbreaking investigation led by the Iowa State University Police Department (ISUPD) has uncovered a disturbing case involving an online neo-Nazi group and allegations of child exploitation. Four individuals connected to this group have been charged with producing child sexual abuse material, following a collaborative effort between ISUPD and a host of local, state, federal, and international agencies. The investigation, which led to the arrests of Clint Jordan Lopaka Nahooikaika Borge, Colin John Thomas Walker, Rohan Sandeep Rane, and Kaleb Christopher Merritt, shed light on a dark online community that promoted neo-Nazism, nihilism, and pedophilia as its core tenets.
Student’s Brave Report Sparks International Investigation
The seeds of this complex investigation were sown when an Iowa State student came forward in November 2020, reporting instances of online coercion and abuse by an individual they had encountered online two years prior. The report, which initially hit a dead end, was eventually picked up by ISUPD Officer Kami Feld, who delved into the case and followed a trail of digital breadcrumbs that led her across the country and beyond. Through meticulous investigative work, including interviews, subpoenas, and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, Feld was able to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind this heinous operation.
In a press release from the Department of Justice, ISUPD Chief Michael Newton commended the courage and bravery of the student whose initial report set this investigation in motion. Newton emphasized the pivotal role played by this victim in bringing the perpetrators to justice, highlighting the importance of speaking out against such crimes and standing up for what is right.
Global Cooperation Unravels Extensive Network of Abuse
The scope of this investigation extended far beyond the borders of the United States, involving agencies from France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and beyond. The collaborative efforts of ISUPD, the Department of Homeland Security, the Los Angeles Police Department, and other key partners were instrumental in dismantling the nefarious activities of the online group known as CVLT. Through a coordinated approach that transcended international boundaries, law enforcement agencies were able to identify, locate, and apprehend the individuals responsible for perpetrating these horrific crimes.
ISUPD Officer Kami Feld, who played a pivotal role in cracking the case, shared her experiences with the media, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of investigative work. She emphasized the critical role of collaboration between local and federal agencies, dispelling the myth of law enforcement portrayed in popular media. The real work of solving crimes, she noted, is far more nuanced and complex than what is often depicted on television.
In a statement following the arrests of the perpetrators, Feld expressed her satisfaction at seeing ISUPD’s contributions recognized in the Department of Justice’s press release. The acknowledgment of their efforts alongside those of international law enforcement agencies underscored the significance of their work in bringing these criminals to justice.
The investigation into the online neo-Nazi group and its exploitation of minors serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of online crimes and the importance of collaboration between agencies at local, national, and international levels. By coming together to tackle these challenges head-on, law enforcement agencies can make significant strides in protecting vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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