Global Crackdown on AI-Generated Child Abuse Images Leads to 25 Arrests

Europol has announced at least 25 arrests in a global crackdown on AI-generated child abuse images.

The suspects were part of a criminal network distributing fully AI-generated material depicting minors.

Dubbed Operation Cumberland, the raid was led by Danish authorities with support from 18 countries.

The main suspect, a Danish national arrested in November 2024, allegedly ran an online platform where users could access the content after making a small payment.

Investigators faced challenges due to the lack of national laws addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Despite this, 272 suspects have been identified, 33 properties searched, and 173 electronic devices seized. More arrests are expected.

Europol warned that even AI-generated CSAM, despite lacking real victims, fuels the objectification and sexualisation of children.