This marks a significant breakthrough in the global fight against online exploitation.

The platform, known as Kidflix, hosted at least 90 000 images and thousands of hours of video footage of child abuse. Launched in 2021, it quickly became a notorious hub where users could trade explicit material in exchange for access to more content.

A German Police Spokesperson described the takedown as "possibly the biggest blow ever against this kind of child sexual abuse." The operation, carried out in collaboration with Europol and other international agencies, has led to the arrest of 79 individuals suspected of sharing and distributing the material, with some also accused of producing the content themselves.

The breakthrough came after investigators seized a critical server linked to the platform, which provided crucial evidence that helped authorities track down those involved. Europol has confirmed that at least 39 children have been rescued as a result of the crackdown.

“The seizure of a server was the catalyst for the operation code-named Stream. It contained around 72 000 videos of children being exploited and abused. Kidflix was created in 2021 by a cybercriminal who made a fortune as it rapidly became one of the most popular platforms among paedophiles. By uploading their own images of child abuse, users could earn tokens to view more illegal videos. Seventy-nine people have been detained on suspicion of sharing and distributing the images. Some are accused of creating the content themselves. Europol says as a result of the platform being taken down, at least 39 children have been removed from harm.”

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as they work to identify more individuals linked to the platform, with a strong focus on tracking down both users and those responsible for producing and distributing the material.

--ChannelAfrica--