PAUL CUNNINGHAM FROM NEWCASTLE BUSTED BY FBI FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND RAPE CASES

In February 2000, a significant breakthrough in the fight against online child exploitation was achieved through the dedicated efforts of two FBI agents, whose work has been widely recognized and honored. These agents, Special Agents Mike Du Bois and Mark Febrache, played a crucial role in tracking down and apprehending Paul Cunningham, a man from Newcastle, who was involved in heinous crimes against minors.

Special Agent Mike Du Bois, based in Maryland, United States, and London-based Agent Mark Febrache collaborated closely after spotting disturbing child pornography images circulating on the internet. Their vigilance led to a swift and effective investigation that ultimately resulted in Cunningham’s arrest. The images in question depicted the abuse of a seven-year-old girl, and Cunningham, 29 years old, residing on Cleghorn Street in the Heaton area of Newcastle, was found to have downloaded over 5,000 such images within a span of just five weeks.

The investigation began in June when Du Bois identified the illegal material being broadcast from a website located in England. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Du Bois contacted Febrache, who then alerted local police authorities in Staffordshire. The combined efforts of international law enforcement agencies culminated in Cunningham’s location being pinpointed to a flat on Cleghorn Street in Newcastle. Remarkably, Cunningham was arrested within just 36 hours of the initial discovery of the images.

Further inquiries revealed that Cunningham had committed multiple offenses, including seven counts of rape, attempted rape, and indecent assault, all involving a young girl aged seven. He also admitted to charges related to a young boy and the production of indecent photographs. The evidence against him was overwhelming, leading to his sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on November 1 of the previous year. Cunningham received a life sentence for the rape charges and an additional 17 years for the other offenses.

Both Special Agents Du Bois and Febrache are set to receive awards in recognition of their successful operation. Du Bois expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It’s nice to be recognised in this way but the great accomplishment is putting a paedophile away for such a long period of time. That is where I take the biggest satisfaction. These pictures were particularly unpleasant and it’s pleasing that he was arrested and jailed so quickly.”

Agent Febrache, who works with the US Embassy in London, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in such cases, saying, “The FBI often works with law enforcement agencies from around the world. But this is one of the most successful in terms of the investigation, the speed, and the outcome.”

Overall, this case underscores the importance of vigilance and international collaboration in combating online child exploitation and bringing offenders like Paul Cunningham to justice in Newcastle and beyond.