INTERPOL Arrests 95 in Global Child Abuse Crackdown

The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) announced the arrest of 95 suspects as part of a coordinated international effort against the production, distribution, and commercialization of child sexual abuse material. This operation spanned 17 countries in Latin America and Europe and took place between March and September 2026.

The crackdown, named International Effort Confluencia, involved four parallel law enforcement operations, resulting in 127 search warrants executed and the rescue of one child. Approximately 89 percent of those arrested were male, and 11 percent were female.

The countries involved included Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, and Uruguay. INTERPOL highlighted the alarming use of digital platforms and cryptocurrencies in facilitating child abuse.

Stephen Fry, INTERPOL’s Executive Director for Investigation Support, emphasized the urgent need for cross-border cooperation in combating this issue.