OneWorld.net (U.S.)

March 23, 2006 (Panaji): Goa is every tourist's dream vacation. But there is a darker side. Cases after cases of paedophilia involving tourists have been reported from the state. An alarmed Goa government has now passed a Children's Act.

Freddy Peats set up a child shelter in Colva area of Goa in the 1970s. He later shifted base to an apartment in Margaon. A raid at his apartment in 1991 after a child complained opened a can of worms, exposing a decade-long racket.

It was also the beginning for the police to gather incriminating evidence against Peats that played a major role in his conviction. Police found over 2,000 pornographic photographs, syringes, medicines and drugs.

"He targetted children, especially those who were poor and from broken families. But the extent of abuse was unbelievable. Some children had such serious injuries that they had to be admitted to hospital," said S B Faria, Special Public Prosecutor.

SOURCE: NDTV