Europe reaches through: millions against child abuse networks!

Europe reaches through: millions against child abuse networks!

Hessen, Deutschland - On April 10, 2025, a European bunch against a network of misuse of minors became known. In the past few weeks there have been massive police campaigns, in which a total of 166 accused were arrested and 774 objects were searched. This operation, with the code name "Fever", took place in twelve countries, while Austria was not involved in the investigation. The measure was initiated by Polish security authorities and Europe.

in Hesse, Germany, the police investigated against 105, including 104 men and a woman, aged 14 to 80. This campaign took place between May 24 and 28, whereby 17 suspects had to be taken to interrogate after extensive house searches. 1,691 items, including storage media, were ensured, which are now to be subjected to a comprehensive evaluation. The accused are accused of distribution, acquisition and possessions of misuse of the abuse, whereby additional sexual abuse of children is examined in nine cases.

cyber grooming and early sensitization

The risk of cyber grooming, in which perpetrators try to manipulate children over the Internet, is described as particularly threatening. Experts appeal to parents to actively sensitize their children and to pay attention to suspicious online acquaintances. The increase in depictions of abuse on the Internet has also accepted alarming proportions in Germany. According to the 2022 crime statistics, 42,075 registered discriminates of children have been recorded by children on the Internet, an increase of 7 % compared to the previous year. The total number of cases of sexual child abuse remained approximately at the same high level as 2021, with over 15,520 cases reported.

Kerstin Claus, the independent representative for questions of sexual child abuse, described these figures as "frightening" and demands increased measures against this form of digital violence. As one of the initiatives, the Federal Government is aiming to legally anchor the work of the independent commissioned and improve cross -country cooperation in child protection. The clarification of cyber grooming and the associated dangers should also be intensified, since many minors act from digital naivety and do not know that sharing is punishable.

previous measures and outlook

The operation "Fever" follows past actions such as the "Stream" operation, which led to the destruction of the "Kidflix" network. This was done by the confiscation of a Darknet server and the arrest of 79 suspects. Almost 1,400 alleged perpetrators were identified. The Federal Government has continuously increased measures against child abuse since 2010, including the tightening of criminal law and the establishment of the office of independent commissioners.

The situation not only requires legal adjustments, but also sustainable media education approaches for children and adolescents. A proposal for creating a national research center to record sexual violence, including dark field analyzes, is also discussed. In this context, the provision of supportive resources, such as a help telephone for questions about sexual abuse, is of great importance. This is free of charge and anonymous and enables those affected to search for 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 bundes- Government.de .