Operation Lighthouse Generates Over 14,300 Investigative Leads Against CSAM Suspects in 125 Countries

Operation Lighthouse, a global initiative involving law enforcement agencies, cryptocurrency companies, and nonprofit organizations, has generated 14,300 investigative leads, surfaced more than 7,700 suspect accounts, and identified CSAM-linked suspects in 125 countries. This effort was designed to turn existing cryptocurrency intelligence connected to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) into actionable investigative leads.

The operation, which took place at the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA) in New York, brought together investigators from multiple continents and targeted more than 100 distinct CSAM platforms, forums, and distribution networks across the surface web and dark web. Participants combined blockchain intelligence with information and investigative capabilities from private-sector partners and law enforcement agencies.

The targets of Operation Lighthouse included suspected CSAM consumers, vendors, marketplace operators, and administrators. The initiative's results include 14,300 investigative leads, 7,700+ suspect accounts, and suspects identified in 125 countries.

Danny van Althuis, a team leader at Europol, stated that perpetrators exploit financial services, payment systems, social media, and internet platforms to commit or facilitate online child sexual abuse. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among those sectors to identify individuals who commit, enable, or facilitate such crimes.