An extensive international operation against child pornography, spearheaded by Spanish police, has resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals across 12 countries spanning the Americas and Europe, Interpol announced late Friday. The crackdown, initiated in late 2024, targeted online networks involved in the circulation of child sexual exploitation material.
Spanish authorities began the operation with intensive online patrols, focusing on instant messaging groups that facilitated the sharing of illicit content. As the investigation deepened, officers identified alleged perpetrators and coordinated closely with law enforcement agencies in multiple countries to coordinate arrests and seizures.
Interpol confirmed that follow-up sessions were held between authorities in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Paraguay, aligning efforts to dismantle these criminal networks effectively. The coordinated arrests took place over several months, from March through May 2025.
Spain accounted for seven arrests, including two individuals of particular concern: a healthcare worker and a teacher. The healthcare worker allegedly compensated minors from Eastern Europe in exchange for explicit images, while the teacher is accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material on various online platforms.
Beyond Spain, other suspects were apprehended in Panama, where a teacher was also arrested, as well as in other parts of Europe and the United States. Investigators seized a wide range of digital devices, including desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and storage devices, which are expected to provide critical evidence for ongoing prosecutions.
Authorities have identified an additional 68 suspects, with investigations continuing across the involved countries. This operation highlights the increasing international cooperation to tackle the exploitation and abuse of children online, as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable victims.
Interpol and participating countries have emphasized their commitment to ongoing vigilance and cross-border collaboration to combat child exploitation, sending a clear message that perpetrators will face justice regardless of location.
