In a landmark victory against online child exploitation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have jointly dismantled four major dark web platforms used to traffic abusive content involving children. The breakthrough operation, codenamed Operation Grayskull, was announced in a statement shared by CBS News Texas on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday.
Launched in 2020, Operation Grayskull is a multi-year global investigation that has now culminated in the shutdown of four notorious dark web sites, which collectively hosted more than 120,000 registered members and housed millions of files depicting child sexual abuse.
According to the DOJ, 18 individuals have been convicted in connection with the operation, receiving a combined total of over 300 years in federal prison. These individuals were described as central figures in the operation of the dark web networks and were involved in the production, distribution, and facilitation of illegal content.
The FBI revealed that the investigation involved advanced cyber forensic techniques and international cooperation with law enforcement agencies across Europe and Asia. Undercover agents infiltrated the sites, gathered evidence, and tracked down operators and high-volume users, many of whom tried to mask their identities through encrypted platforms and cryptocurrency.
The DOJ and FBI urged the public to report suspicious online activity and reiterated their focus on protecting vulnerable populations from digital crimes. Operation Grayskull is now considered one of the most comprehensive crackdowns on child exploitation via the dark web in recent U.S. history.
More arrests and indictments are expected as investigations continue.
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