Recent investigations have brought to light the disturbing phenomenon of online communities facilitating the torture of monkeys for entertainment. Individuals with a penchant for viewing cruel acts against baby animals have historically struggled to connect with others who share their interests locally. However, the rise of digital forums has enabled these individuals to form networks.
Once members of these groups identify one another, they often communicate through encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal. This secrecy allows them to coordinate activities and share resources.
Funds for these activities are frequently gathered via various mobile applications and then sent to videographers in countries where labor costs are low and monkeys are more accessible. Reports suggest that many cases originate from Indonesia, where individuals are hired to carry out grotesque acts as per the specifications of their Western clients.
The footage produced is then sent back to the purchasers, who distribute it to other members of the same online communities where they first connected.
This trend was underscored recently when the U.S. government announced an indictment against several Americans for their roles in commissioning these videos. The defendants, identified by pseudonyms such as “Bitchy” and “DemonSwordSoulCrusher,” come from various states including Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
The accused utilized an Indonesian videographer for their requests, which were often shockingly inexpensive. For just $40, one could commission a video showcasing a “burning hot screwdriver” being inserted into a baby monkey. However, upon receiving the requested video, clients expressed dissatisfaction with its quality. Instead of the anticipated graphic depiction, the videographer had only lightly touched the heated screwdriver to the animal.
“So lame,” one individual reportedly remarked in response to the video. The reply was simply, “Live and learn.”
Undeterred, the group reformed after the original platform hosting their community, “million tears,” removed them, rebranding themselves as “the trail of trillion tears.” They sought out another Indonesian videographer hoping for a more explicit rendition of their request. Despite this attempt, the new video still failed to meet their expectations, prompting one member to lament, “honey that’s not what you asked for. That’s the village idiot version. But I’m talking with someone about getting a good vo [videographer] to do it.”
Continued Legal Action
The issue gained further attention in 2021 when communications from the “million tears” group were leaked to animal rights organizations such as Lady Freethinker and Action for Primates, who subsequently alerted authorities. Nonetheless, it took several years for law enforcement to act against the leaders of the torture network.
In 2024, Ronald Bedra from Ohio, one of the group’s leaders, pled guilty to commissioning the videos and mailing a thumb drive containing 64 clips of monkey torture to a co-conspirator in Wisconsin. His mother, in a letter to the judge, suggested that he must have been experiencing a mental crisis during this period, recalling his childhood love for family pets.
Bedra was sentenced to 54 months in prison late last year. Family correspondence indicated that he has lost significant personal and professional connections as a result of his actions.
In April 2025, two additional associates were indicted and arrested in connection with the group, with their cases only revealed this week. Two others involved remain uncharged as investigations continue.
In May 2025, 11 more Americans were indicted for their involvement in similar acts of cruelty, this time reportedly linked to a different network that allegedly “paid a minor in Indonesia to commit the requested acts on camera.”
Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities have also made arrests in response to the outcry from animal rights activists. Over the past two years, multiple videographers have faced legal action following complaints regarding their involvement in the production of these gruesome videos.
