Hearst Networks Teams With Sosa for Predator Files, an Undercover Investigation Series on Crime+Investigation

Hearst Networks’ new undercover investigation docuseries Predator Files, features child protection organisation SOSA (Safe from Online Sex Abuse).

Produced in partnership with child protection organisation SOSA (Safe from Online Sex Abuse) and its founder Roo Powell, the series follows undercover investigations designed to identify and support the prosecution of online child predators operating across the United States.

‘’Online predators count on anonymity, access, and the assumption that no one will hold them accountable,” said Roo Powell, founder of SOSA. “Predator Files pulls back the curtain on not only how these crimes actually happen, but how they can be stopped. When you understand the tactics, the patterns, and how we run our undercover operations, the myth that these offenders are untouchable starts to fall apart.”

The series documents SOSA operatives working alongside law enforcement and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces as they investigate individuals using social media platforms, gaming environments and other digital channels to groom minors. Investigations featured in the programme are conducted within legal and prosecutorial guidelines to ensure evidence gathered can support arrests and convictions.

“This is an urgent global issue and Predator Files examines the reality of how these crimes unfold and how they are investigated,” said Heather Jones, Chief Creative Officer, Hearst Networks. “Crime+Investigation remains committed to impactful storytelling that reflects the work being done to protect vulnerable communities and hold offenders accountable.”

Roo Powell, founder of SOSA, added: “Online predators rely on anonymity and access. Predator Files highlights the tactics used to identify these individuals and the collaborative work between undercover investigators and law enforcement to stop them.”

Across the season, Powell and the SOSA team undertake a range of undercover investigations, including cases involving individuals suspected of distributing child sexual abuse material, networks targeting young males online, and operations examining the realities of online-facilitated sex trafficking. Actress and child-safety advocate Ariel Winter also participates in several investigations, including an operation in which she assists a case involving a suspected predator targeting a 12-year-old girl.

According to the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, more than 36.2 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation were made in 2023, a 12% increase year on year. While Internet Crimes Against Children task forces investigate these crimes across the United States, agencies often face resource constraints in conducting undercover work involving convincing minor personas. SOSA’s team creates detailed digital identities and controlled environments that enable investigators to interact with suspects and provide law enforcement with evidence capable of supporting arrests and prosecutions.

Predator Files premieres in the UK on March 12 on Crime+Investigation, part of Hearst Networks.

ABOUT PREDATOR FILES
Predator Files is a true crime docuseries that follows SOSA and law enforcement ICAC task forces as they conduct high-stakes undercover investigations to identify and apprehend online child predators. All operations adhere strictly to legal standards to ensure evidence is fully prosecutable.

ABOUT SOSA (SAFE FROM ONLINE SEX ABUSE)
SOSA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting minors from online sexual exploitation by collaborating with law enforcement to conduct undercover operations. The organization’s work focuses on prevention, education, and advocacy, while supporting law enforcement with legally sound investigative tools. SOSA has built a highly engaged global community committed to protecting children and raising awareness around online exploitation.

ABOUT ROO POWELL, FOUNDER OF SOSA
Roo Powell is a law enforcement consultant and subject matter expert in online child exploitation investigations. She travels across the United States to conduct undercover operations, train law enforcement, advocate for stronger legislation, and educate parents and communities on keeping children safe online. Roo has been featured in outlets including Forbes, Newsweek, FOX News, CNN, Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, and Nightline, among many others.

ABOUT ARIEL WINTER, ACTRESS & ADVOCATE
Ariel Winter is best known for her role as Alex Dunphy on Modern Family. She is also a dedicated advocate for child safety and youth empowerment. In recent years, Winter has worked directly with SOSA, participating in undercover operations aimed at protecting minors from online exploitation. She has been recognized for her advocacy and commitment to supporting vulnerable young people.

ABOUT HEARST NETWORKS
Hearst Networks, a subsidiary of Hearst, owns and operates premium factual entertainment brands including The HISTORY® Channel, Crime+Investigation®, BLAZE® and COSMO across the UK, Nordics, Benelux, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Germany, Italy and Spain. At Hearst Networks EMEA, we share stories that matter, inspiring and entertaining audiences with hit franchises such as The Curse of Oak Island, The First 48 and History’s Greatest Mysteries, alongside original commissions including The Hunt for Baltic Gold, Nameless Monsters and The Royal Kill List. For more information, please visit hearstnetworks.com.

ABOUT CRIME+INVESTIGATION
Crime+Investigation is Hearst Networks EMEA’s leading factual crime brand, delivering compelling, real-life stories that explore criminal investigations, law enforcement, and justice from around the world. The network is available across the UK and EMEA, offering premium true crime programming grounded in credibility, access, and impact.