LYON, France — Interpol announced that 20 individuals have been arrested across Europe and the Americas in a sweeping cross-border operation targeting the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The international effort was launched late last year, led by Spanish police, after investigators uncovered online messaging groups circulating exploitative content involving minors, Interpol said in a statement.
Health Worker and Teacher Among Those Arrested in Spain
Of the 20 arrested, seven suspects were apprehended in Spain, including a health care worker and a teacher. Authorities allege the health care worker paid minors in Eastern Europe in exchange for explicit images. The teacher is accused of possessing and sharing child sexual abuse content across various online platforms.
Latin American and U.S. Suspects Targeted
In Latin America, 10 individuals were arrested across seven countries. These include three suspects in El Salvador and a teacher in Panama. Additional arrests took place in other parts of Europe and the United States, according to Interpol.
Investigations Continue Across Borders
Interpol confirmed that 68 more suspects have been identified as part of the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement agencies continue to coordinate efforts to locate and apprehend these individuals, underscoring the global scope of online child exploitation and the need for cross-border collaboration to combat it.
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The operation marks another major milestone in international law enforcement’s commitment to protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.
