A 21-year-old man from Chile, Daniel Aravena Oliva, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Wednesday after authorities say he developed an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old girl he met online through the game Roblox.
The Glendora Police Department reported that Oliva had been “manipulating and grooming” the young girl for several months via various online platforms. He initially contacted the girl on Roblox but later convinced her to communicate through Zoom and other apps.
Oliva flew to the U.S. with plans to meet the girl in person. He had booked an Airbnb close to her home with the intention of exploiting her. However, Glendora police, working with Homeland Security Investigations, were able to arrest him upon his arrival.
Oliva is now facing charges related to child exploitation and the production of child pornography. Federal charges are also being brought against him.