An Interpol child abuse operation involving authorities in 17 countries has led to 95 arrests and the rescue of a five-year-old child in Colombia. Investigators targeted networks producing, sharing and selling child sexual abuse material online.
The coordinated effort brought together four parallel investigations between March and September 2026. During that period, authorities executed 127 search warrants across Latin America and Europe.
However, the investigations remain ongoing. Police expect to identify additional suspects as they examine devices seized during the searches.
Investigators Target Messaging Groups and Cryptocurrency Transactions
The four investigations focused on different parts of the distribution and sale of child sexual abuse material. These activities involved messaging applications and cryptocurrency payments.
Authorities in Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Spain uncovered messaging groups where participants requested and circulated abuse material.
Meanwhile, investigators gathered digital evidence that could help identify further suspects and connections between the groups.
Arrests Include Group Administrator and Sextortion Suspect
In Panama, police arrested the administrator of a group that distributed child sexual abuse material to more than 700 users.
Separately, Ecuadorian authorities detained a man and seized several electronic devices. Investigators found more than 4,000 files containing abuse material, totaling approximately 15GB.
In Argentina, officers arrested a sextortion suspect who allegedly had contact with more than 260 girls across several countries. The reported contacts form part of the allegations under investigation.
These cases illustrate the different activities targeted during the coordinated inquiries, from group administration to alleged exploitation of individual victims.
Child Rescued as Police Examine Further Evidence
The Interpol child abuse operation also resulted in the rescue of a five-year-old child in Colombia. Authorities did not provide further details about the rescue in the supplied account.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine the seized devices for evidence that could lead to more arrests.
Interpol stressed that circulating abuse material causes further harm to the children depicted. The organization also highlighted how digital platforms can facilitate the sale and distribution of that material.
Consequently, it called for stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and private companies across national borders.
Seventeen Countries Joined the Investigations
The participating countries were Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and El Salvador.
Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain and Uruguay also took part.
Although authorities have already made 95 arrests, the ongoing analysis means the full scope of the investigations has yet to emerge.
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