💬 1. Messages and chat history

This is usually the most important evidence.

Investigators analyse:

• WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram, gaming chats, etc.
• Sexual messages or innuendo
• Requests for secrecy (“don’t tell anyone”)
• Attempts to isolate the minor
• Repeated contact over time
• Grooming language (“you’re mature for your age”, emotional bonding, flattery)

Even deleted messages can sometimes be recovered via devices or backups.

---

📸 2. Images and media exchanged

Police may examine:

• Sent or received sexual images (including requests for them)
• Selfies or personal images used to build trust
• Any explicit content involving a minor (this becomes a separate serious offence)

---

📍 3. Location and meeting attempts

Evidence includes:

• Plans to meet in person
• Travel arrangements (tickets, GPS data, maps)
• Arranged meeting locations
• Hotel bookings or logistics

Even if the meeting never happens, planning can be enough.

---

🧠 4. Behavioural patterns (intent evidence)

Investigators look for patterns like:

• Gradual escalation of intimacy
• Building emotional dependence
• Testing boundaries (“can you keep a secret?”)
• Gifts, money, or rewards
• Manipulation or control tactics

This helps prove intent, which is key in grooming cases.

---

📱 5. Device and digital forensic data

Forensic teams may analyse:

• Phones, laptops, tablets
• Deleted chats or hidden apps
• Search history (sexual content involving minors)
• Social media logs and timestamps
• IP addresses and account activity

---

👁️ 6. Testimony from the minor

The minor’s statement is very important, including:

• How contact started
• How the relationship developed
• Whether they felt pressured, confused, or controlled
• Whether secrecy was encouraged

Police also assess consistency and context over time.

---

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 7. Witnesses or third-party reports

This can include:

• Parents or guardians noticing behaviour changes
• Teachers or friends seeing communication patterns
• Platform reports (Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
• Anonymous reports or cybercrime tips

---

⚖️ Key legal principle in Spain

What matters most is:

Intent + targeting a minor + sexual purpose, not whether physical contact happened.

So even:

• messages alone
• or an unsuccessful meeting plan
  can still be enough if the intent is proven.

---

🧭 Simple summary

Spanish police build grooming cases using:

• chats + digital evidence
• behaviour patterns over time
• planning or attempts to meet
• forensic device data
• testimony from the minor

They look for a clear pattern of sexual intent toward a minor, not just isolated messages.

---