Information identified by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team (DCET) has helped secure a 50-year-to-life prison sentence for a United States offender and resulted in two children being safeguarded from further harm.
On 2 October 2026, 21-year-old Californian, John Edward Lario was sentenced in California State Court to 50 years to life imprisonment following a guilty plea to two offences relating to the sexual abuse of children.
In September 2024, DCET’s Senior Victim Identification Investigator identified newly produced child sexual exploitation material and undertook urgent enquiries to identify the offender and his location.
DCET investigators worked closely with United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), sharing intelligence and evidence on Lario’s offending that enabled HSI and local law enforcement in California to execute a search warrant and take immediate action.
The operation resulted in two children being removed from further harm and Lario being arrested.
DCET Manager Tim Houston said the outcome highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating online child exploitation.
"Child sexual exploitation material is not just an online crime. Behind every image or video is the high possibility of a real child experiencing sexual exploitation and abuse.
"This outcome demonstrates the impact that timely information-sharing and strong international partnerships can have in protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.
"By working closely with our international partners, we can help identify victims, disrupt offending and ensure children are removed from harm, wherever they are in the world. We received outstanding assistance from Homeland Security Investigations’ Regional Attaché in Canberra, Australia, who connected us with the right people in the US in real time."
As highlighted in the Department’s Digital Child Exploitation Transparency Reports, DCET regularly works alongside overseas agencies to share expertise, intelligence, and investigative techniques. Through these international partnerships, DCET helps identify victims, disrupt offending, and support investigations across countries.
The Transparency Report is available on the Department’s website: Preventing Online Child Sexual Exploitation Transparency Reports - dia.govt.nz