SPIRIT TRAUM AND SHOCKING ONLINE GROOMING IN EDINBURGH
A man from Edinburgh, identified as Spirit Traum, appeared before the city's sheriff court to face serious allegations of online predatory behavior involving a minor.The accusations stemmed from Traum's use of a street hockey-focused Facebook group, where he facilitated grooming and attempted to engage in unlawful sexual activities with an underage individual.
Traum, aged 22, held the position of an administrator within this social media group dedicated to street hockey.
It was through this platform that he was contacted by an individual claiming to be a 13-year-old boy, known as 'Josh.' Unbeknownst to Traum, 'Josh' was actually an undercover police officer infiltrating online spaces to catch sexual predators.
The officer had created a fake profile to simulate a teenage boy interested in hockey.
According to court records, after establishing contact, Traum initiated a series of increasingly explicit exchanges with the undercover officer posing as 'Josh.' Over the course of seven days, Traum sent numerous images and videos of himself, including one where he appeared nude and tied up.
During their conversations, Traum detailed personal preferences and made suggestive comments, including inquiries about whether 'Josh' was 'smooth or hairy,' expressing a preference for boys who are 'smooth.' The prosecutor, Fiscal depute Alan Wickham, explained that the police investigation revealed Traum's disturbing intentions.
'Josh' communicated that he was 13, frequently reminding Traum of his age during their chats.
Despite this, Traum persisted, continuing to send explicit materials and requesting that 'Josh' reciprocate with nude images.
The court also heard that Traum suggested a meeting under the pretense of playing hockey, but his true intent was to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
The prosecutor noted Traum's words, indicating he wanted to meet 'Josh' with the implied expectation of sexual contact, even stating, 'You might get f****ed after.' Police officers executed a warrant at Traum's residence in the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh on September 28, 2021.
He was subsequently detained and taken to Dalkeith police station for questioning.
At the court hearing, Traum pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to communicate indecently with a child believed to be under 16 and attempting to meet someone he believed was an older child for unlawful sexual purposes.
The case highlights serious concerns regarding online safety and the efforts of law enforcement to combat online grooming and child exploitation.
