An international operation to combat online child abuse has led to the arrest of 20 people. Law enforcement agencies from more than 12 countries participated in the operation. The action targeted networks producing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through messaging platforms.
The investigation began in late 2024, when the Spanish National Police identified numerous messaging groups dedicated to the circulation of inappropriate content with children. After identifying 88 suspects in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, the Spanish authorities informed INTERPOL and Europol, activating an international cooperation network.
See also: Kidflix: Authorities shut down child sexual abuse platform
In December 2024, INTERPOL invited Spanish investigators to the Latin America Victim Identification Task Force meeting and the operation “Operation Vibora”, which served as a starting point for the coordination of operational actions at a global level.
In Spain, seven people, including a teacher and a health professional, were arrested on charges of distributing CSAM material and paying minors to create such content. Authorities also seized computers, mobile phones and storage media.
INTERPOL announced ten more arrests in Latin America, with three in El Salvador and one in Panama. A teacher was also among those arrested. In addition, arrests were made in the United States and European countries.
See also: Roblox: Brings new parental controls to protect children
The operation is part of an ongoing global effort to dismantle platforms CSAM-sharing and protect victims of child abuse in an environment where communication technologies are often used as a means of crime.
How online child abuse networks are collapsing
The global fight against online child sexual abuse is intensifying, with authorities using technological tools, partnerships and thorough investigations to dismantle criminal networks. Just this year, the joint operation “Operation Stream” — led by the Bavarian State Criminal Police — succeeded in dismantling Kidflix, one of the largest platforms for distributing child abuse material on the dark web.
The operation, which was carried out between March 10 and 23, 2025, led to 79 arrests, while 1,393 suspects were identified and over 3,000 electronic devices were seized, demonstrating the scale and digital sophistication of the network.
See also: UK investigates TikTok and Reddit over children's privacy
Meanwhile, another investigation conducted in February by law enforcement agencies in 19 countries focused on an even more worrying phenomenon: the production of CSAM content through artificial intelligence. Authorities arrested 25 people and identified 273 suspected members of an international ring that was trafficking AI-generated child abuse material. During the operation, 173 devices were seized.
These operations by law enforcement are significant victories in the fight against malicious platforms and illegal online marketplaces, but the problem remains, especially when children are involved. These underground sites are constantly evolving and adapting, making it difficult to completely eliminate them. As soon as one is shut down, another appears in its place. Constant vigilance, international cooperation and the use of sophisticated technologies to stay ahead of the criminals operating on the dark web.
See also: Peer-to-peer software used to distribute child pornography
🔒 Protect your privacy with Proton VPN
Swiss VPN from the creators of Proton Mail — strict no-logs policy, strong encryption, and built-in NetShield that blocks ads, trackers, & malware.
- ✔ No-logs, based in Switzerland (except 14-Eyes)
- ✔ NetShield: blocks ads, trackers & malicious domains
- ✔ Covers all devices — free version available
The link is an affiliate link — SecNews may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. It does not affect the independence of our article writing.
Only through a combination of these efforts can we hope to have a significant impact and reduce the harm caused by illegal online activities. With each new operation and arrest, we are getting closer to creating a safer online environment for everyone. It is important that authorities remain committed to this goal and continue to work together to dismantle these criminal networks.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
