Discover how COPINE, a revolutionary artificial intelligence, played a crucial role in the arrest of the pedophile astrologer from Yvelines. Dive into the heart of this extraordinary case where technology and justice come together to hunt down predators and ensure the safety of everyone.
A man caught thanks to artificial intelligence
In Guyancourt, in Yvelines, a 41-year-old astrologer was arrested following an investigation aided by a specialized artificial intelligence named COPINE. This innovative initiative allowed the authorities to uncover shocking illegal activities, highlighting the growing importance of digital tools in criminal investigations.
What is COPINE?
COPINE is an acronym for “Combating Pedophile Information Networks in Europe.” This software, of Irish origin and commonly used in the United Kingdom, is designed to analyze images and identify those containing illegal content involving children. It uses various technical criteria, including Tanner classification, allowing it to determine the maturity level of individuals depicted in the images.
How does COPINE work?
The software operates on sophisticated image recognition technology. Among the assessment criteria are:
- Hair growth
- Breast development
- Dimensions of the genital organs
If a suspicious image is detected, a so-called “Severe files” alert is triggered, allowing authorities to intervene quickly.
The stages of the investigation
The sequence of events leading to the arrest of the astrologer began with an alert received by the cyber patrol police. Between July 10, 2022, and May 16, 2023, downloads from the darknet raised serious suspicions. Following this, investigators conducted operations to identify and locate the suspect.
As part of the investigation, over 28,000 files were found on his digital devices, including 3,660 compromising photos and 995 videos.
A necessary but missing expertise
The suspect was supposed to be tried on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. However, due to deficiencies in the psychiatric expertise, the case was postponed until June 26, 2024, with a deadline for the report submission set for June 21.
The public prosecutor insisted on placing the astrologer in provisional detention due to the high risk of reoffending. The suspect, mainly living in seclusion in his mother’s house, had already been convicted in 2017 for a case of corruption of minors.
Severe consequences and promising technology
The development of this case shows how technology can effectively serve in sensitive areas such as child pornography. Thanks to COPINE, authorities were able to intervene quickly and effectively, demonstrating the importance of artificial intelligence tools in modern criminal investigations.
This advancement also illustrates the ongoing challenges related to the assessment and management of suspects, highlighting the need for accurate and timely expert reports to ensure justice.
