'World's Largest Child Porn Website Host' Eric Marques in Court

A man described by the FBI as the "largest facilitator of child porn on the planet" has appeared in court in Ireland to begin extradition proceedings.

Eric Eoin Marques, 28, is wanted over four charges linked to images described as being extremely violent, graphic and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children.

Marques, who holds both Irish and US citizenship, appeared before the High Court in Dublin to begin the extradition proceedings at the request of the US.

He is accused of being the sole administrator of a server which hosted hundreds of websites which allegedly shared the child abuse online.

Patrick McGrath, senior council for the attorney general of Ireland, told the court Marques is also wanted in connection with the advertising and distribution of child pornography, and conspiracy to advertise and distribute.

The charges date from 24 July 2008 to 29 July 2013, two days before he was arrested. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in jail.

The US submitted a formal request for Marques' extradition, which was granted by Ireland's Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

An FBI special agent previously told a court he is accused of being "the largest facilitator of child porn on the planet" for running the Freedom Hosting server. However Marques denies being the administrator.

He was refused bail two weeks ago after the court heard large sums of money had passed through his bank account. He had also searched for information about visas for Russia and was therefore considered a flight risk.

The judge adjourned the case until 11 September and remanded him in custody.

The Freedom Hosting server received worldwide attention in 2011 when hacktivist group Anonymous brought it down, after they accused it of hosting 95% of the child pornography hidden by the internet tool Tor.

Tor, which is available to download for free on the internet, allows its users to remain anonymous online and uses a system to hide their IP address from police.

Marketed as a tool for journalists who want their research and communication with sources to remain anonymous, or those who want to avoid being monitored by law officials, Tor also has a reputation for being used to hide illegal activities, such as the distribution of drugs, firearms and child pornography.

The makers of Tor have distanced themselves from the Freedom Hosting server in the wake of Marques' arrest.