Interpol warns of growing global threat of child sexual exploitation

Interpol has issued an alert regarding child sexual exploitation, describing it as a ‘growing global threat’ that requires enhanced international cooperation. On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation, Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza called for strengthened cross-border efforts to protect vulnerable populations.

Urquiza emphasized that child abuse and sexual exploitation are among the most ‘horrible and challenging crimes’ for law enforcement. The organization noted that child exploitation, human trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime frequently cross national borders, making the exchange of international information and coordinated action essential to dismantling criminal networks.

Since its launch in 2011, Interpol’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database has assisted in identifying 65,181 child victims and 26,840 perpetrators across 75 countries. As of July 31, 2026, the database has identified nearly 5,800 child victims within the current year.