Federal prosecutors in Detroit have charged [1] a 26-year-old Dearborn man after an FBI investigation linked him to tens of thousands of files believed to be connected to the online sexual exploitation of children.
Authorities unsealed a federal complaint and arrest warrant for Audy Mugally Al-Saidi, who faces allegations of receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography.
Investigators said Al-Saidi was associated with approximately 35,002 potentially downloadable files identified as being of investigative interest.
The case is part of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Innocent Images National Initiative, a program within the agency’s Violent Crimes Against Children Unit that focuses on crimes involving the online exploitation of minors.
According to court records, the investigation began in February 2026.
On Feb. 18, 2026, an FBI agent used an undercover computer to access a BitTorrent peer-to-peer file-sharing network.
These systems allow users to exchange files directly, often without identifying information visible to others on the network.
While monitoring activity on the platform, the agent identified a device tied to an IP address that contained approximately 35,002 potentially downloadable files.
Investigators said the files included keywords and digital signatures consistent with content that likely meets the federal definition of child pornography.
The FBI also determined that the same IP address had previously been active on the network. In August 2025, a computer using that address shared roughly 75 files across multiple folders.
Authorities said those files were downloaded and reviewed at the time and were found to contain images that meet the federal definition of child pornography.
Investigators reported that some of the content appeared to involve real children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including what authorities described as “the lascivious display” of children’s genital areas.
Court documents describe file directories with names that investigators said are commonly associated with illegal material.
One folder included a reference to “PTHC,” a term agents identified as referring to “preteen hardcore.”
Another folder was labeled “incest and abuse” and contained videos described by authorities as depicting children being sexually assaulted by adults.
On March 20, investigators reviewed a law enforcement database and found that a device linked to the same IP address had downloaded, uploaded, or made files available approximately 3,500 times between July 16, 2025, and March 11, 2026.
Authorities traced the IP address to a residence on Lapham Street in Dearborn. The address was linked to internet service provided by WideOpenWest, also known as WOW.
The company was served with a subpoena on Feb. 12, 2026, and provided records on March 10 identifying the location tied to the activity.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at the residence on April 2.
According to investigators, Al-Saidi was present at the home and told agents that he was familiar with BitTorrent and used it to download movies.
During the search, agents seized a phone from the area where Al-Saidi had been sleeping and a computer from an office space within the residence.
Authorities said Al-Saidi provided passwords for both devices. Investigators also found documents and identification associated with him near the computer.
A preliminary review of the seized devices was conducted on April 3.
According to the FBI, agents located hundreds of images that meet the federal definition of child pornography on both the phone and computer.
Investigators also identified deleted files with names consistent with suspected child exploitation material, including references similar to those previously identified.
Authorities reported that cached data on the computer contained thumbnail images depicting infants and young children being sexually abused by adults.
Al-Saidi was taken into custody and booked at the Sanilac County jail. During a court proceeding on April 9, he was granted a $10,000 unsecured bond and placed on home detention with GPS monitoring.
As part of the conditions of his release, Al-Saidi was ordered to report to pretrial services, surrender his passport and enhanced identification, and refrain from traveling outside southeast Michigan.
He was also directed to seek medical or mental health treatment and prohibited from possessing any weapons.
Court orders further restrict his use of computers and the internet, allowing access only for employment purposes, and require the removal of all internet-capable devices from his home within 48 hours.
He is also prohibited from possessing or viewing sexually explicit material and from having unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 18 or being within 100 yards of locations where children are present.