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Barcelona Child Exploitation Network Leader Faces 107-Year Sentence as Trial Date Set

Teófilo Lapeña Martínez, accused of orchestrating one of Catalonia's largest child exploitation rings, remains in custody as investigations into additional victims and suspects continue.

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Teófilo Lapeña, principal acusado de la red de pederastia del Raval.
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Overview

  • Teófilo Lapeña Martínez, a 45-year-old electrician, faces 107 years in prison for leading a child exploitation network involving a 12-year-old ward of the Generalitat.
  • The primary investigation has concluded, and the trial is scheduled for spring 2026, while two related cases with additional suspects and victims remain open.
  • Authorities uncovered over 2,000 sexual conversations and 550 incriminating files during the investigation, exposing Catalonia's second-largest pederasty network.
  • Teófilo used social media and dating apps like Instagram, Badoo, and WhatsApp to advertise the minor for sexual exploitation, raising concerns about app misuse by predators.
  • The case has prompted scrutiny of Catalonia's child-protection system and calls for reforms to prevent systemic failures in safeguarding vulnerable minors.