Europol Taskforce Identifies 51 Abused Children

In a significant operation against child sexual exploitation, Europol’s Victim Identification Task Force (VIDTF) has successfully identified 51 children who were victims of abuse. This operation, marking the 17th edition of the task force, was conducted over two weeks from September 8 to 19, 2025, at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague, with participation from 27 experts across 22 countries.

Europol and INTERPOL collaborated with various national agencies to analyze over 300 datasets, shedding light on the disturbing reality of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This year’s task force yielded 213 investigative leads for national authorities, highlighting the critical need for international cooperation and advanced digital forensics in combating such crimes.

Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle emphasized the enduring trauma faced by victims and the global spread of abuse material. She underscored the importance of innovative measures and modern tools in safeguarding children and urged a departure from traditional approaches to tackle the growing threat.

The task force, which began in 2014, has progressively expanded its capabilities. Europol’s database now contains over 111 million unique images and videos of CSAM. The operation not only brings together global experts but also strengthens communication and cooperation among law enforcement agencies worldwide, resulting in the safeguarding of over 1,000 victims and the arrest of 301 offenders in previous editions.

Europol has also launched the “Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object” initiative, inviting public participation to help identify locations or objects from abuse cases, thereby aiding in the quicker rescue of victims. The collective efforts of the participating countries and agencies continue to play a vital role in the ongoing fight against child exploitation.