Casefile True Crime: Episode 315 - Operation Cacam

Release Date: April 19, 2025
Host/Author: Casefile Presents
Description: Delving into the darkest corners of the internet, Episode 315 explores the harrowing case of Matthew Falder, also known as Lux and 666 Devil, whose online pedophilic empire wreaked havoc before his eventual downfall.

1. Introduction to the Case

From the serene landscapes of East Anglia, southern England, the disturbing journey begins with a seemingly innocent ad posted by 16-year-old Tessa Dorsey on Gumtree, seeking babysitting opportunities. This ad becomes the gateway to a nightmare orchestrated by a predator hiding behind the guise of Liz Kandel.

2. The Deceptive Allure of Liz Kandel

Tessa’s excitement upon receiving a response quickly turns to fear when Liz Kandel misrepresents her intentions. Instead of seeking a babysitter, Liz offers payment for explicit photographs.

Liz Kandel (Transcript): "Thanks for taking the time to read this, Liz."
Timestamp: [02:45]

Recognizing the danger, Tessa confronts Liz, only for the perpetrator to unleash a barrage of explicit, distressing images of other underage girls, enforcing compliance through threats.

Transcript: "You have no choice. I will do everything I can to make your life awful."
Timestamp: [14:30]

3. Escalation and Tessa’s Pursuit

Feeling powerless and increasingly distressed, Tessa seeks help from her mother, leading to a police report that unfortunately yields little immediate action. Frustrated, Tessa leverages social media to warn others, attracting the attention of Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

Tessa Dorsey: "Even today, I can't forget those pictures. I don't think I ever will."
Timestamp: [15:20]

4. Entering the Dark Web: The Rise of Lux and Hurt to the Core

The NCA delves into the Dark Web, a clandestine part of the internet facilitating a host of illegal activities due to its anonymity. Here, they uncover Hurt to the Core, a forum dedicated to the most depraved form of online exploitation known as hurtcore—a realm where genuine abuse of children is perpetuated.

Eileen Ormsby: "The child's pain is not a byproduct. It is deliberately inflicted, recorded, and posted."
Timestamp: [27:10]

Lux, the enigmatic creator of Hurt to the Core, becomes a central figure, orchestrating a network that not only distributes child exploitation material but also encourages brutal violence against children.

5. Operation Darknet: Anonymous vs. Child Exploitation

In 2011, the hacktivist group Anonymous initiates Operation Darknet to combat online pedophilia, targeting and shutting down illicit child exploitation sites. Despite initial successes, the operation's impact is ephemeral as sites frequently resurface, evading permanent shutdowns.

Anonymous Statement: "Child pornography is not free speech."
Timestamp: [30:45]

The operation inadvertently empowers predators like Lux, who matures his network amidst the chaos left by Anonymous, ultimately establishing his own formidable presence on the Dark Web.

6. The Deceptive Persona of Lux: Matthew Graham

Lux’s facade collapses when he interacts with journalist Patrick O'Neill, revealing the true extent of his operations. However, the hunt for his real identity continues until a decisive breakthrough leads to the arrest of Matthew Graham, a seemingly ordinary 21-year-old with no prior criminal history.

Patrick O'Neill: "I don't think he knows how we did it."
Timestamp: [70:15]

7. The Capture of Matthew Graham: Operation Cacam

In August 2014, Australian police, collaborating with the NCA, raid a suburban home in Victoria, unaware that the perpetrator is the youngest member of the family. Matthew Graham, living a reclusive life, is apprehended, revealing the depth of his online crimes.

Matthew Graham: "I just want to be part of something."
Timestamp: [80:40]

Forensic investigations uncover over 14,000 indecent images and 1,251 videos of children, solidifying his status as one of the UK's most prolific online predators.

8. Operation Kakam: Chasing 666 Devil

Despite Matthew Graham’s arrest, remnants of his empire persist under the alias 666 Devil, who continues his abusive activities with chilling efficiency. The NCA launches Operation Kakam, an extensive manhunt involving international collaboration to dismantle this evolving threat.

NCA Branch Commander Matthew Long: "I am very proud of our team and also those victims being able to stand up and stop him."
Timestamp: [100:30]

9. The Final Downfall: Matthew Falder’s Arrest

After years of meticulous investigation, the NCA cracks the case, identifying Matthew Falder, a respected academic, as the true 666 Devil. His seemingly perfect life starkly contrasts his heinous online activities, emphasizing the deceptive nature of online predators.

Jane Lorenson (NCA Officer): "Imagine a green juicy apple that looks lovely, but inside it is a worm."
Timestamp: [112:15]

Faldar’s capture marks a significant victory for law enforcement, but the battle against online child exploitation continues as new predators emerge.

10. Sentencing and Aftermath

Matthew Falder faces severe legal repercussions, ultimately receiving a landmark sentence of 32 years in prison, later reduced to 25 years on appeal. His conviction underscores the gravity of online predator crimes and the relentless efforts of global law enforcement agencies to combat them.

Judge: "Your case is without parallel... pure evil."
Timestamp: [135:50]

11. The Unseen Victims: Psychological Impact

Beyond legal outcomes, the episode poignantly highlights the profound psychological scars inflicted on victims. The pervasive fear and isolation experienced by those targeted by 666 Devil illustrate the lasting trauma of online exploitation.

Victim Statement: "I couldn't talk to anyone. I didn't feel safe anywhere."
Timestamp: [140:00]

12. Conclusion: A Relentless Pursuit

"Operation Cacam" serves as a sobering reminder of the dark realities lurking online and the ongoing struggle to protect vulnerable individuals from digital predators. Despite significant breakthroughs, the Dark Web remains a challenging frontier for law enforcement, necessitating continuous vigilance and innovative strategies.

NCA Branch Commander Matthew Long: "This has been a relentless pursuit... you didn't really care in any way, shape or form how that manifested."
Timestamp: [148:30]

Key Takeaways

• Anonymity of the Dark Web: Facilitates illicit activities, making it difficult for authorities to trace and dismantle criminal networks.
• Psychological Trauma: Victims of online exploitation endure lasting emotional and psychological harm.
• Law Enforcement Efforts: Collaborative and persistent international operations are crucial in combating Dark Web predators.
• Deceptive Personas: Online predators often present benign or misleading identities to manipulate and exploit their victims.

Notable Quotes

• Eileen Ormsby: "The child's pain is not a byproduct. It is deliberately inflicted, recorded, and posted."
  [27:10]

• Matthew Graham: "I just want to be part of something."
  [80:40]

• Judge: "Your case is without parallel... pure evil."
  [135:50]

• NCA Branch Commander Matthew Long: "This has been a relentless pursuit... you didn't really care in any way, shape or form how that manifested."
  [148:30]

Final Thoughts

Episode 315 of Casefile True Crime sheds light on the intricate and perilous world of online child exploitation, emphasizing the need for continued awareness, robust law enforcement tactics, and unwavering support for victims. As technology evolves, so too must the strategies to safeguard the most vulnerable from the shadows of the internet.