Robert Pasteiner, 76, from West Sussex, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to 36 offences related to paying for child sexual abuse in the Philippines. The National Crime Agency (NCA) tracked him down from suspicious payments totalling more than £200,000, some of which went to organisers of live-streamed sexual abuse in the Asian country.
Arrest and evidence
Pasteiner was arrested at Heathrow Airport in February 2023. A luggage search uncovered gifts including perfume and jewellery, as well as condoms and Viagra. Analysis of his mobile phone showed he had arranged for a 12-year-old girl to be brought to his hotel. Investigators also found Filipino money and false documents hidden in his suitcase.
A search of his home uncovered 15 devices, six of which contained indecent images of children. Handwritten notes detailed phone numbers, payment details, and how much money he had sent to people who arranged child sex abuse. Some of the money sent was for a "show".
Sentence and impact
Pasteiner was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday, July 23. His offences included causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, attempting sexual communication with a child, arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, and making indecent images of children. He is subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offender’s Register until he dies.
NCA senior investigating officer Danielle Pownall said: "Robert Pasteiner is a depraved man who posed a significant threat to children around the world." She added: "The items recovered during our investigation are a clear sign of his intentions in travelling to the Philippines. With thanks to International law enforcement partners in the Philippines, we were able to arrest Pasteiner and safeguard victims. The NCA, along with partners at home and abroad, will continue to tirelessly hunt down perpetrators of child sexual abuse and protect the most vulnerable in our society."
