An Indian national, Ashish Kapoor, also known as "Romy Kapoor," has been indicted for transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the charges on May 8, 2025. Kapoor, aged 28, faces these charges under Title 18 of the United States Code.
If convicted of transporting child pornography, Kapoor could face a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. He may also be fined up to $250,000 and could receive supervised release for life along with a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. For possession of child pornography, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, similar fines, supervised release conditions, and the same assessment fee.
The superseding indictment states that on February 21, 2024, Kapoor transported a cellphone containing digital videos and images depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct. On December 20, 2024, he allegedly possessed similar materials involving prepubescent minors under the age of 12.
Simpson emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and that guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project aims to apprehend individuals exploiting children online and rescue victims through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local resources.
The investigation involved the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni from the Financial Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
