Multinational Operation Shuts Down 'Kidflix' Child Abuse Network

In a significant international effort led by Europol, law enforcement agencies have dismantled 'Kidflix,' one of the largest platforms for sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the dark web, which had amassed 1.8 million users since its launch in 2021. The operation, known as 'Operation Stream,' resulted in 79 arrests and the identification of approximately 1,400 additional suspects across 38 countries, including the U.S. and Australia. Authorities seized a server containing around 72,000 videos, with a total of over 91,000 unique videos shared on the platform. Kidflix operated by allowing users to stream and download CSAM, with payments made through cryptocurrencies. The investigation began in early 2022 and has led to the protection of at least 39 children. This operation is considered one of the largest blows to child pornography in recent history, according to officials from the Bavarian Criminal Police.