AP Exclusive: Big child webcam sex bust reveals rising abuse

In this April 20, 2017, photo, suspected child webcam cybersex operator David Timothy Deakin, from Peoria, Ill., has his hands tied behind his back with an iPhone charging cord as members of the National Bureau of Investigation Anti-human Trafficking division arrest him inside his home during a raid in Mabalacat, Philippines. Deakin's arrest reveals one of the darkest corners of the internet, where pedophiles in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia pay facilitators on the other side of the world to sexually abuse children, directing their moves through online livestreaming services. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (The Associated Press)

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In this April 20, 2017, photo, suspected child webcam cybersex operator, David Timothy Deakin, from Peoria, Ill., with his hands tied behind his back during a raid by investigators, sits on his bed where he handles online sharing of videos of children engaging in sexual acts in Mabalacat, Philippines. Deakin's arrest reveals one of the darkest corners of the internet, where pedophiles in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia pay facilitators on the other side of the world to sexually abuse children, directing their moves through online livestreaming services. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (The Associated Press)

In this April 20, 2017, photo, investigators check a room in the home of suspected child webcam cybersex operator, David Timothy Deakin, from Peoria, Ill., during a raid in Mabalacat, Philippines. Deakin's arrest reveals one of the darkest corners of the internet, where pedophiles in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia pay facilitators on the other side of the world to sexually abuse children, directing their moves through online livestreaming services. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (The Associated Press)

MABALACAT, Philippines – Authorities in the Philippines have arrested an American suspected of exploiting dozens of Filipino children using webcams to sell videos, images and livestreams.

David Timothy Deakin's arrest April 20, and the rescue of two girls, is one of the largest seizures of potentially illicit digital content in the Philippines. Authorities are reviewing about 30 hard drives, as well as numerous computers, to find suspected buyers and victims.

Deakin has been charged with cybercrime, child pornography, child abuse and child trafficking. The 53-year-old suspect originally from Peoria, Illinois, has been in the Philippines since 2000. He told The Associated Press he didn't make videos of children. Webcam child abuse is increasing rapidly in the Philippines, with a growing pool of pedophile buyers in the U.S. and Europe.