Resumen en inglés

This study addresses the critical knowledge gap concerning the economic and financial structures underpinning criminal organizations involved in Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) within the Colombian context. Employing a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten experts—comprising Colombian criminal investigators specializing in CSE, an NGO representative, and international specialists for comparative perspectives. Thematic analysis revealed that CSE networks in Colombia are predominantly small (3-6 individuals), often loosely organized, and frequently disguised as legitimate businesses (e.g., travel agencies), featuring specialized roles on a commission basis. While generally distinct from other major illicit markets, emerging links to transnational criminal organizations signal a potential shift. Victims, primarily vulnerable adolescent girls from precarious socioeconomic backgrounds, are typically recruited through deception and false promises rather than overt coercion, which often leads to exploitation being disguised as consensual relationships, thereby complicating prosecution. Demand is largely driven by middle-to-high-income men, with a significant correlation observed between CSE and tourism in key Colombian cities. Exploitation occurs through both in-person modalities (e.g., tourist packages, private parties) and increasingly via online channels, including the production and distribution of abusive material and webcam services utilizing falsified adult identities. Financial transactions primarily involve cash, supplemented by digital wallets and bank transfers for in-person exploitation, while online activities utilize money transfer services, cryptocurrencies, and prepaid cards. Profit distribution to victims is typically variable and exploitative. These findings inform targeted policy recommendations aimed at dismantling these criminal enterprises and enhancing victim protection in Colombia.