SPOKANE COUNTY, WA — Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Detectives assigned to the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Unit have arrested a man on multiple child molestation charges and are asking the public for information that may assist in their ongoing investigation.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives developed probable cause to charge Mykola G. Rakovskyi, 21, also known as ‘Nick’ or ‘Nicholas,’ with two counts of first-degree child molestation. The investigation began in September 2024 after the FBI received an anonymous tip alleging that Rakovskyi was posting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and other exploitative material online, particularly through the Telegram app.

Rakovskyi was arrested and booked into Spokane County Jail on November 18, 2024. He remains in custody on the Spokane County charges as well as a Stevens County warrant for two additional counts of first-degree child molestation. His total bond has been set at $200,000.

Detectives allege that Rakovskyi used apps such as Telegram, email accounts, and social media platforms like Instagram to communicate with others. During the investigation, a large volume of videos and images believed to be CSAM or other materials depicting the sexual abuse of children was recovered.

Investigators believe Rakovskyi may have had contact with additional young children beyond the known victim, who was 7 or 8 years old at the time of the alleged offenses. Authorities also believe he may have used the internet to contact potential victims or to communicate with others about sexual acts involving children, as well as to view, download, or exchange exploitative images and videos.

In an effort to identify any additional victims or individuals who may have interacted with Rakovskyi, the Sheriff’s Office has released photos of him and is asking anyone with information to contact Detective T. Keys with the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Unit at 509-934-7831, referencing case number 24-10138496.

The investigation is ongoing.