Europe takes action: millions against child abuse networks!

Europe takes action: millions against child abuse networks!

On April 10, 2025, a Europe-wide strike against a network for depicting abuse of minors became known. In recent weeks there have been massive police operations in which a total of 166 suspects were arrested and 774 properties were searched. This operation, codenamed “Fever”, took place in twelve countries, while Austria was not involved in the investigation. The measure was initiated by Polish security authorities and coordinated by Europol.

In Hesse, Germany, police are investigating 105 suspects, including 104 men and one woman, aged 14 to 80. This operation took place between May 24th and 28th, with 17 suspects having to be taken in for questioning after extensive house searches. 1,691 items, including storage media, were seized and will now be subjected to a comprehensive evaluation. The defendants are accused of disseminating, acquiring and possessing depictions of abuse of minors, with sexual abuse of children also being investigated in nine cases.

Cybergrooming and early sensitization

The danger of cybergrooming, in which perpetrators attempt to manipulate children via the Internet, is described as particularly threatening. Experts appeal to parents to actively raise awareness among their children and to pay close attention to suspicious online acquaintances. The increase in depictions of abuse on the Internet has also reached alarming proportions in Germany. According to the 2022 police crime statistics, there were 42,075 registered depictions of child abuse online, an increase of 7% compared to the previous year. The total number of child sexual abuse cases remained at about the same high level as 2021, with over 15,520 cases reported.

Kerstin Claus, the Independent Commissioner for Issues of Child Sexual Abuse, described these figures as “horrifying” and calls for increased measures against this form of digital violence. As one of the initiatives, the federal government is striving to enshrine the work of the independent representatives in law and to improve cross-border cooperation in child protection. Information about cybergrooming and the associated dangers should also be intensified, as many minors act out of digital naivety and do not know that sharing depictions of abuse is a punishable offense.

Previous measures and outlook

Operation Fever follows past actions such as Operation Stream, which led to the takedown of the Kidflix network. This was done by seizing a darknet server and arresting 79 suspects. Almost 1,400 suspected perpetrators were identified. Since 2010, the federal government has continually strengthened measures against child abuse, including tightening criminal law and establishing the Office of Independent Commissioners.

The situation requires not only legal adjustments, but also sustainable media educational approaches for children and young people. A proposal to create a national research center to record sexual violence, including dark field analyses, is also being discussed. In this context, the provision of supportive resources, such as a helpline for questions about sexual abuse, is of great importance. This is free and anonymous and allows those affected to seek help.

Overall, current developments underline the need to intensify the fight against child abuse at all levels and to act preventively. Further information can be found in the reports from vol.at and federalgovernment.de.