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Police Decoy or Real Child??

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blingo

Member since
August 2025

4 posts

Hello Everyone,

Recently, my OH was arrested on a communications charge with a 15 year old. According to what I have been told by him, the minor shared images of an incredibly explicit nature, (such that I was sick), with him. My question is that was this actually a minor or another police decoy. I'm not fully aware of the situation but I have read on here that police decoys are not permitted to share indecent images, according to a Lucy from the LFF foundation, so does that mean he was really communicating with a real minor?? Truthfully I'd far rather it be with a decoy as at least I would know that a real minor was not affected.

Edit - I'd like to add that it was never mentioned that the images sent were actually of a child, implying that imo, they could have been of an adult pretending to be a child, as part of a sting. Are the police allowed to do that?

Posted Wed August 27, 2025 8:37am
Edited Wed August 27, 2025 4:23pmReport post

Distressed and pregnant

Member since
November 2020

1260 posts

Hi,

it sounds like it was a real child as police aren't allowed to share indecent images. It could be a vigilante group decoy but I doubt it to be honest. Sending you love and strength xxx

Posted Wed August 27, 2025 9:01amReport post

26a20

Member since
December 2024

192 posts

I doubt it would be police decoy or a vigilante group as if they are sending images they are themeselves committing the offence of distributing IIOC. I'm sorry to say but it does sound like it was an actual child.

Posted Wed August 27, 2025 2:09pm
Edited Wed August 27, 2025 2:53pmReport post

blingo

Member since
August 2025

4 posts

Thank you so much for the responses but what if the image was of an adult posing as a minor?? I'd like to hope so but perhaps I'm just trying to make excuses for him, but at the same time I really feel the need to know, its hard to explain...

Posted Wed August 27, 2025 2:41pm
Edited Wed August 27, 2025 2:50pmReport post

Holdingthegrenade

Member since
June 2024

271 posts

Sorry you're in this situation

As others have stated it's likely not wasn't a decoy or vigilante as they'd be carrying out offences themselves by sharing the images.

It could be another adult pretending to be a child (in order to sell to or entice your person to share further images). Not that it is a much better scenario but it might not necessarily be a real child they've been in touch with.

My person had conversations with someone they "say" they thought was an adult; but there was no way to prove either way. You never know for certain who you are talking to online. As soon as someone indicates they're a child the responsibility lies with the adult to block, delete, report and cease all communication.
Even if it was a decoy it can be used as evidence of worrying behaviour/intent as others have said.

Sending love and strength x

Posted Wed August 27, 2025 3:45pmReport post

blingo

Member since
August 2025

4 posts

Edit to clarify - I'd like to add that it was never mentioned that the images sent were actually of a child, implying that imo, they could have been of an adult pretending to be a child, as part of a sting. Are the police allowed to do that?

Posted Wed August 27, 2025 4:09pmReport post

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