LYON, France — Interpol announced Wednesday that a coordinated international operation targeting child sexual abuse material has led to the arrest of 20 suspects across Europe and the Americas.
The transnational crackdown, launched at the end of 2024 and spearheaded by Spanish authorities, involved law enforcement agencies in 12 countries. According to Interpol, the investigation was triggered after Spanish police uncovered online messaging groups circulating explicit images of child sexual exploitation.
Seven individuals were arrested in Spain, including a health care worker and a schoolteacher. The health care professional is accused of paying minors in Eastern Europe in exchange for illicit images, while the teacher allegedly possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material across multiple digital platforms.
Authorities in Latin America made 10 additional arrests spanning seven countries. Among those detained were three suspects in El Salvador and another schoolteacher in Panama. The remaining suspects were apprehended in other parts of Europe and in the United States.
Interpol said that in total, 68 additional individuals have been identified as suspects in the ongoing investigation. Further arrests and charges are expected as authorities continue to analyze evidence and digital forensic material.
“This operation underscores the power of international cooperation in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society,” Interpol said in a statement. “We are committed to supporting our member countries in identifying and apprehending those who commit crimes against children.”
The global policing agency did not release the full list of participating countries but noted that continued cross-border collaboration remains critical in dismantling child exploitation networks.
