It’s published
Global police organization Interpol said 20 people were arrested as part of a major international operation to the production and distribution of child sex abuse material.
The arrests took place in a 12-country operation between March and May. It was led by the Spanish National Police in cooperation with Interpol and Europol.
“The operation was launched by Spain in late 2024, with specialized officers running online patrols and identifying an instant messaging group dedicated to circulation of child sexual exploitation images,” Interpol said in a statement.
Through Interpol and Europol, Spanish officials have warned authorities in the country where the perpetrators are allegedly resident.
Two teachers involved
Spanish authorities have arrested seven suspects, including healthcare workers and teachers.
“Health workers are allegedly paid explicit images to minors in Eastern Europe, but teachers have been accused of owning and sharing child sexual abuse material through various online platforms,” Interpol said.
In Spain, police-run searches seized desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets and digital storage devices.
Authorities in seven Latin American countries have detained 10 suspects, including a Panama teacher.
The remaining arrests took place in the United States and elsewhere in Europe.
“Bulgaria, Italy and Portugal participated at the European level,” an Interpol spokesman told Euroneus.
So far, Interpol has found 68 additional suspects, and further investigations are underway worldwide.
“The information collected during the business is shared with law enforcement agencies in 28 countries, including the US, Europe, Asia and Oceania,” Interpol added.
Before the arrest, a meeting was held between Chilean Interpol and Spanish investigators at the Latin American Victim Identification Task Force Meeting. The operation was presented there to professional staff across Latin America.
Authorities exchanged information about the case, provided specific leads and launched coordinated actions.
