Chainalysis-led Operation Lighthouse Flags 7,700 Suspect Accounts in CSAM Probe
Chainalysis-led Operation Lighthouse has identified over 7,700 suspect accounts linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across 125 countries. The operation investigated 29,120 crypto addresses and digital identifiers connected to more than 100 CSAM platforms, forums, and distribution networks on the surface and dark web.
The multi-day investigation brought together law enforcement agencies, private-sector partners, and specialized nonprofits, including Europol, the UK National Crime Agency, Binance, Coinbase, Block, and the Internet Watch Foundation. Participants used blockchain intelligence to develop leads for follow-on legal processes and case development.
Among the suspects identified were 16 registered sex offenders, as well as military personnel, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and educators with direct access to children. Tom McLouth, senior intelligence analyst at Chainalysis, emphasized that 'behind every lead is a real child at risk.'