International police operations dismantle child exploitation networks

International law enforcement operations, including Italy’s ‘Operation Upriver’ and INTERPOL’s ‘International Effort Confluencia’, have resulted in widespread arrests and the seizure of massive amounts of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Under the INTERPOL-coordinated effort conducted between March and September 2026, authorities in 17 countries arrested 95 individuals accused of sharing CSAM and exploiting minors via messaging platforms and cryptocurrencies. The operation involved 127 search warrants and led to the rescue of a five-year-old child in Colombia. Specific actions were taken in Ecuador, Panama, and Argentina, targeting groups that used encrypted applications to coordinate abuses and distribute illegal content.

In Italy, the Polizia di Stato’s ‘Operation Upriver’ led to seven arrests and seven denunciations, resulting in the seizure of approximately 100,000 files. The investigation highlighted the role of digital platforms in the continuous re-victimization of minors through the circulation of images and videos. The Meter association emphasized the critical need to not only identify perpetrators but also to implement ongoing protection for the children involved.