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Rahamim “Rami” Shy, a former policy adviser associated with Barack Obama’s administration, was arrested in the UK while attempting to engage in illicit activities with a nine-year-old girl. Shy, 47, an investment banker who had significant responsibilities in coordinating counter-terrorism strategies for the US government, traveled from New York to Bedfordshire, intending to meet the child.
Evidence presented at Luton Crown Court revealed that Shy meticulously planned his trip over several weeks, packing items including cuddly toys and condoms. These details emerged during the trial, highlighting his intention to exploit a vulnerable child.
Decoy Operation Captures Shy
Far from being a grandmother, the person he communicated with was actually an undercover officer from Bedfordshire Police working as a decoy. Under this guise, the officer engaged with Shy in conversations where he made alarming admissions regarding his predatory intentions.
During these exchanges, Shy described his heinous plans in explicit terms, expressing a disturbing belief that the girl was “late” in becoming sexually active, and he referred to the potential act as an “honour” to be her first. He arrived in Gatwick on February 23 of the previous year, drove to Bedford, and was immediately apprehended by the authorities.
While his legal team contended that his messaging from the US exempted him from UK laws, the Crown Prosecution Service successfully countered this argument, asserting that British courts retain jurisdiction over offenses intended to result in criminal acts within the country.
Evidence surfaced during the trial that Shy attempted to erase incriminating messages upon his arrival in the UK. Further analysis of his phone revealed communications indicating his sexual interests in children, along with a collection of indecent images of minors. The items found in his luggage reinforced the prosecution’s claim of his intent to groom and exploit the child.
On Wednesday, Shy was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison after being convicted of arranging a child sex offense and possessing indecent materials.
Previously, Shy held a noteworthy position at Citi, where he worked as part of efforts to combat financing for terrorism. He also had experience advising on sanctions against hostile regimes while serving in the US Treasury Department from 2008 to 2014.
Implications of the Case
Additionally, Shy contributed to operations in Afghanistan under NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, focusing on counter-terrorism finance. His dual life as a respected professional and a sexual predator raises significant concern.
Lorraine Telford, representing the CPS, characterized Shy as a predator intent on committing horrific acts against children, irrespective of whether the victim existed. She emphasized the credit due to the law enforcement operation that successfully prevented Shy from inflicting harm upon a child.
Telford reinforced the CPS’s commitment to safeguarding children and pursuing justice rigorously against those who aim to exploit the vulnerable. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and robust policing in protecting society’s most at-risk members.
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www.yahoo.com