It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: A twelve-year-old Swiss boy who was rescued from the attic of a 35-year-old man after disappearing one week earlier may have been groomed by the predator using the online video game Minecraft.
The child, who we’ll identify only as ‘Paul’ to preserve his anonymity, vanished suddenly from his family home in Solothurn last week.
As officers searched frantically for clues as to his whereabouts, they discovered the boy had posted his real name, age and address online. With the help of the FBI, Swiss police also confirmed Paul had been in contact with a man based in Dusseldorf, Germany. When police raided the man’s apartment, 370 miles away, they discovered the child hidden in the attic.
The man, identified as Werner C., is currently facing kidnapping charges and is being held as investigations continue. A police spokesperson confirmed that he has a criminal record and said officers are investigating the possibility that the child may have been sexually abused.
Issuing a warning to parents of children who play online video games, a spokesperson for Swiss telecommunications company Swisscom said:
“Like in the real world, also virtually you need to protect yourself and be watchful.
“In precisely those games where you play as a team and have to work together, you find both youngsters and criminals taking an interest in them.”
“It is important that parents talk about all the risks involved of being online with their children,” concluded the Swiss telecom officer.
“You should be aware that although online 13-year old Marco is talking to you, in reality this can be 46-year old Klaus.”
Do your kids play Minecraft online? Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
