Paedophile who paid adult to sexually abuse children in the Philippines jailed

A paedophile who paid and instructed an adult in the Philippines to sexually abuse children as young as two years old has been jailed.

Cesar Cordero Conejo, 39, appeared in Snaresbrook Crown Court today where he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an additional two years on extended licence. He previously pleaded guilty to 18 offences, including causing sexual exploitation of a child, causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and making indecent images of children (IIOC).

From September 2019 to June 2022, Conejo made a number of payments to a Filipino child abuse network and made specific requests of what he wanted to see. As a result, they live-streamed and recorded the sexual abuse of four children aged between two and 14 years old.

There were occasions where Conejo discussed visiting this network in the Philippines and paying them more money to have access to the children in person. 

When Conejo, of Ilford, was arrested on 28 July 2023 by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Digital equipment was seized which provided a wealth of evidence linking the defendant to his offences, including numerous chat logs and thousands of IIOC.

An adult he is suspected of paying to abuse children has been arrested and charged in the Philippines. The four children have been rescued by Filipino authorities. 

Emma Lile, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, said: “Cesar Conejo paid an adult to sexually abuse children on his behalf for his own gratification.

“Child sexual abuse can cause lifelong physical and emotional trauma, and my thoughts go out to the victims in this case who were subjected to some of the most appalling and horrific abuse at the defendant’s direct request.  

“This case sends a clear message that the CPS, working alongside law enforcement, will work hard to bring to justice to those who sexually abuse and exploit children, wherever that abuse takes place.

“Our Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit was set up to prosecute complex and sensitive child sexual abuse cases. Through the work of this unit, we are determined to help stop the devastating impact of these crimes on victims."