INTERPOL Operation Leads to 95 Arrests Across 17 Countries Over Child S3xual Abuse Material
An INTERPOL-coordinated international law enforcement operation has resulted in 95 arrests across 17 countries, targeting the distribution and commercialisation of child sexual abuse material through messaging applications and cryptocurrency platforms.
The operation involved parallel investigations in Latin America and Europe, focusing on different aspects of the circulation of illegal content and the networks used by offenders to distribute and profit from it.
According to information released on the operation, messaging applications and cryptocurrency systems are increasingly being exploited to groom children, coordinate abuse, connect offenders and facilitate payments for illegal material.
These platforms also enable the repeated circulation of abusive content, exposing victims to further harm and continued revictimisation.
The coordinated initiative resulted in the execution of 127 search warrants and the rescue of one child.
Investigators are analysing materials seized during the searches, which are expected to provide further leads for identifying suspected offenders, locating children at risk and taking additional safeguarding measures.
The operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling online child sexual exploitation, particularly as offenders exploit digital platforms and cross-border financial systems to conceal their activities.
INTERPOL’s coordination of the initiative underscores the need for continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies to identify perpetrators, protect vulnerable children and disrupt networks involved in the distribution of child sexual abuse material.
INTERPOL Operation Leads to 95 Arrests Across 17 Countries Over Child S3xual Abuse Material