The World Briefly
June 29, 2023Man and Monkey
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A year-long investigation by the BBC uncovered a global monkey torture ring spanning from Indonesia to the United States that has prompted an international investigation and more monitoring efforts from social media platforms.
The investigation found that customers from the US, Britain, and other countries were paying individuals in Indonesia to torture and kill baby long-tailed macaques, filming the horrific acts for their pleasure.
The torture ring began on YouTube but later moved to private groups on the Telegram messaging app.
The BBC journalists went undercover in one of the main Telegram groups, where participants discussed brutal torture ideas and commissioned torturers in Indonesia and other Asian countries to carry them out.
They tracked down the torturers in Indonesia, as well as distributors and buyers in the US, and collaborated with international law enforcement efforts to bring them to justice.
At least 20 people around the world are currently under investigation, including individuals in the UK and the US who have already been arrested.
Some of the suspects recounted their experiences to the BBC, including the various grotesque methods the torturers would use to harm the animals. One ringleader, a US citizen, admitted that he was responsible for the deaths of at least four monkeys and the torture of many more.
Monkey torture videos can still be found on platforms like Telegram and Facebook, despite efforts to remove such content, according to the British broadcaster.
Animal rights activists are calling for updated laws to hold individuals accountable for paying for the creation of these torture videos. YouTube and Facebook said they were committed to removing such content and taking action against violators.
Meanwhile, Telegram noted that it’s dedicated to safeguarding privacy and upholding freedom of speech, adding that its moderators are unable to actively monitor private groups in a proactive manner.
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