International child abuse ring dismantled in Spanish-led operation, Interpol says
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A coordinated international crackdown led by Spanish police has resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals across 12 countries in the Americas and Europe, as part of a sweeping operation against child sexual exploitation networks, Interpol has confirmed.
The investigation began in late 2024, when Spanish officers conducting online surveillance identified encrypted messaging groups being used to circulate child sexual abuse material. As the probe developed, authorities were able to uncover the identities of suspected perpetrators and share intelligence with law enforcement agencies worldwide.
The arrests were carried out between March and May this year, following joint operations involving Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Paraguay, according to a statement released by Interpol on Friday.
Seven of the arrests occurred in Spain, among them a healthcare worker and a schoolteacher. The healthcare professional is accused of paying minors in Eastern Europe in exchange for explicit content, while the teacher allegedly distributed child abuse images through multiple digital platforms.
A separate arrest took place in Panama, where another teacher was detained. The remaining suspects were apprehended in other European nations and in the United States.
Authorities also seized a significant cache of electronic devices, including desktop computers, mobile phones, tablets, and digital storage equipment, which are now undergoing forensic analysis.
Interpol revealed that an additional 68 suspects have been identified and remain under investigation, as international law enforcement agencies continue to pursue leads generated by the operation.
The agency underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in combating the online spread of child sexual exploitation content and reiterated its commitment to supporting ongoing investigations.
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