Norwegian police: Victims of online abuse mainly in the Philippines

A new report from Norway’s National Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos) reveals that many direct-order sexual abuse cases involve underage victims in the Philippines. This practice, known as “direct order-based abuse,” allows buyers to request and pay for live-streamed abuse of minors. Buyers often direct the actions in real time.

Kripos identifies several factors driving this trend. The Philippines has a strong commercial sex industry, widespread internet access, high English proficiency, and easy payment options.

The report covers cases from 2011 to 2017. It shows that organized networks of sellers often share child victims and payment methods, creating a structured system of abuse.

While the Philippines is a major hub, Kripos notes that similar abuse may also happen in other countries, especially where French and Spanish are spoken.