Europol 'breaks up' AI-generated child abuse ring

The European police agency (Europol) has successfully dismantled a criminal network involved in distributing child abuse content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) on online platforms.

Europol warns that online child abuse is becoming one of the most serious threats in the field of high-tech crime in the EU. (Source: Adobe Stock)

Europol launched Operation Cumberland, led by Danish police in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from the European Union (EU), Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. As of February 28, authorities had arrested 25 people and identified 273 more suspects.

Sharing information about the investigation, Danny, a team leader at Europol, revealed how criminals exploited AI technology to create highly realistic Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) without direct physical abuse. Authorities believe the perpetrators wanted to evade traditional detection methods while distributing illegal content on online platforms.

This is one of the first cases involving AI-generated CSAM, posing a major challenge for investigators as many countries do not have specific laws on this crime.

Europol launched Operation Cumberland after the main suspect, a Danish national, was arrested in November 2024. He ran an online platform that distributed AI-generated CSAM, with users globally paying a token online fee for a password to access the platform to view illegal content.

Operation Cumberland marks a significant step forward in the global fight against AI-driven cybercrime, highlighting the urgent need for continued collaboration between governments, law enforcement and technology experts to protect vulnerable children from digital threats.

Most of the arrests were made on February 26, Europol said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/europol-be-gay-duong-day-phat-tan-noi-dung-lam-dung-tre-em-do-ai-tao-ra-305043.html