Passenger Arrested for Suspected Child Abuse Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom OTS at PortMiami
On February 17, 2026, a 29-year-old Israeli man was arrested at PortMiami after officials discovered illicit material on his mobile device while he was disembarking from the Royal Caribbean vessel, Freedom of the Seas. This operation was part of a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, initiated due to a tip to U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding suspicious activity related to the purchase of child sexual abuse content.
Customs officers took immediate action by boarding the ship to conduct a border search of the suspect’s cellphone before the regular passenger processing was completed. During the search, they found a video that depicted the sexual assault of a young child. After being read his rights and questioned, the individual admitted to possessing the material and was subsequently taken into custody.
He was transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Facility, with a bond set at $2,500. Additionally, federal immigration authorities have placed a hold on him as they explore the potential for prosecution or removal proceedings.
At the time of the incident, the Freedom of the Seas had recently returned from a short Caribbean cruise. Authorities have not revealed any further details regarding possible actions at the federal level following the arrest. For additional incidents and accidents related to Freedom of the Seas, please refer to the ship’s CruiseMinus page.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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