Operation Lighthouse Nets 14,000 Leads in Global Child Exploitation Sting
A global sting operation called Operation Lighthouse has targeted child exploitation networks using cryptocurrency. Chainalysis led the effort, working with law enforcement agencies and crypto firms like Binance, Coinbase, and Block to examine over 29,000 cryptocurrency addresses across 125 countries.
The operation generated more than 14,000 investigative leads into these networks, which have increasingly turned to cryptocurrency to move payments. Authorities say blockchain tracing is now cutting through the anonymity those networks rely on.
Binance's senior program manager for anti-child sexual exploitation, Gavin Sather, said 'The inherent transparency of blockchain makes it difficult for criminals to hide for long while exploiting victims.'