Michael Macartney, 50, confessed to the BBC his role in an extreme monkey torture network.

A ringleader in a global monkey torture network exposed by the BBC has been charged by US federal prosecutors.

Michael Macartney, 50, who went by the alias “Torture King”, was charged in Virginia with conspiracy to create and distribute animal-crushing videos.

Mr Macartney was one of three key distributors identified by the BBC Eye team during a year-long investigation into sadistic monkey torture groups.

Two women have also been charged in the UK following the investigation.

Warning: This article contains disturbing content

Mr Macartney, a former motorcycle gang member who previously spent time in prison, ran several chat groups for monkey torture enthusiasts from around the world on the encrypted messaging app Telegram.

  • nick
    234·
    8 months ago

    Put these people to death themselves. No redeeming value for net of them.

    • Corhen@lemmy.worldEnglish
      122·
      8 months ago

      I’m against cruel and unusual punishments… but in this case, subjecting them to their own torture devices seems appropriate.

    • aidan@lemmy.world
      23·
      8 months ago

      Definitely disagree. It’s disgusting, but something being disgusting to me doesn’t make it wrong. And honestly, I eat pork, so I don’t think I really have a leg to stand on with criticizing the torture of intelligent animals

      • chetradley@lemmy.world
        1·
        8 months ago

        Out of curiosity, have you personally looked into how pigs (especially factory farmed) are raised and slaughtered?

          • chetradley@lemmy.world
            1·
            8 months ago

            Sadly not. If you’re interested in cutting back support for these industries, I’d be happy to throw you some recommendations for alternatives. Just let me know what country you’re in and what you like to eat!

            • aidan@lemmy.world
              2·
              8 months ago

              I’d be more interested in resources about the ethics/intelligence of pigs. Because, tbh my whole belief(that might be cope) is just that I’ve not really been convinced these animals are something who’s life I value. And I can’t complain about whether an animals being mistreated if I am fine with thousands of the same animal being slaughtered for people’s pleasure, whether or not the time leading up to slaughter is humane.