Colombian authorities have arrested Stephen Paul Mueller, a U.S. citizen accused of sexually exploiting minors in Medellín. Police allege Mueller contacted victims via social media, offering them money and accommodation in exchange for sexual encounters.
According to the Metropolitan Police of Medellín, Mueller’s capture was carried out in cooperation with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in the United States. During the operation, investigators seized a laptop, two USB drives, and a mobile phone as evidence.
Frequent Travel and Ongoing Investigation
Police records indicate that Mueller traveled to Colombia 33 times in the past two years, raising suspicions about his repeated visits to Medellín. Authorities in Arizona, where HSI is based, have also opened an investigation into Mueller for alleged child sex tourism in the United States.
The Colombian National Police confirmed that so far in 2025, 1,997 arrests have been made nationwide related to child sexual exploitation crimes. They emphasized that this case highlights the importance of international cooperation and technological tools in combating child exploitation networks.
Warning on Digital Platforms
Authorities warned that predators increasingly use digital platforms to approach minors. The Medellín Police urged families and communities to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to help protect children and adolescents.
Airbnb Expands Controls Nationwide
The case also coincides with Airbnb’s expansion of strict measures against sexual tourism in Colombia. Beginning in August 2025, the platform requires all guests booking in the country to confirm they have read and understood Airbnb’s prohibition of sexual tourism and sex work in its properties.
Originally introduced in Medellín in 2024, the policy is now being applied nationwide. Daniela Guzmán, Airbnb’s Global Partnerships Manager for Trust and Safety, said the initiative seeks to make clear to visitors that “Airbnb prohibits sexual tourism: it is against the company’s policies and values, even in places where sex work is legal.”
Airbnb has also strengthened cooperation with Colombian authorities, providing training to police officers and developing educational tools with the Colombian Civil Defense to prevent exploitation and promote safe tourism practices.
A Broader Offensive
Authorities in Medellín framed Mueller’s arrest as part of a broader offensive against multicrime operations that target vulnerable populations. Officials reiterated that international partnerships and community reporting are essential to dismantling networks of child sexual exploitation.
