CYPRUS POLICE HELP FBI IN ONLINE CHILD EXPLOITATION CASE INVOLVING LOCAL TEEN - KNews 26/2
U.S. man sentenced to 12 years for coercing teenage girls, including 15-year-old in Cyprus, to send sexually explicit images.
A U.S. man who groomed and coerced a 15-year-old girl living in Cyprus into sending sexually explicit images has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, authorities said Thursday.
Steven LaBianca, convicted of coercion and enticement of minors and possession of child pornography, pleaded guilty in September 2024 in Brooklyn federal court. Prosecutors said he used social media platforms including Instagram, Omegle, and Skype to target girls as young as 13.
Court documents show that in 2017, LaBianca contacted a 15-year-old girl in Cyprus, coercing her into sending hundreds of nude photos and sexually explicit videos. He also pressured her to watch pornographic content featuring other minors and warned her to delete evidence if approached by authorities.
Cyprus Police worked with the FBI to identify the victim and provide evidence that contributed to the prosecution. Authorities said the case highlights how online predators can exploit minors across borders and the importance of international cooperation.
LaBianca’s abuse extended to multiple other victims over several years. Officials said he threatened, manipulated, and re-victimized his targets, compelling them to create and share pornography.
The case was handled as part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating the sexual exploitation of children online.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said the sentence “reflects the seriousness of exploiting vulnerable victims and the reach of federal law.” The FBI described LaBianca as someone who “prowled online platforms to exploit minors for years.”
The Cyprus Police confirmed their ongoing collaboration with international law enforcement to prevent child exploitation and urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity.
