Dark web child abuse websites dismantled by DOJ, FBI

President Donald Trump’s Justice Department recently announced that a joint operation resulted in the dismantling of four dark web sites responsible for the distribution of child sexual abuse material to hundreds of thousands of users. The operation also resulted in 18 convictions.

In a press release last Wednesday, the Justice Department confirmed that 18 people were convicted as part of Operation Grayskull, which was coordinated by the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The press release noted that the operation led to the “dismantling” of four dark web sites that were “dedicated to images and videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).”

“Today’s announcement sends a clear warning to those who exploit and abuse children: you will not find safe haven, even on the dark web,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said. “These offenders thought that they could act without consequences, but they were wrong. 

The Justice Department described the dismantled dark web sites as “some of the most egregious” sites on the dark web, with some website sections even featuring “infants and toddlers, as well as depictions of violence, sadism, and torture.” The department also noted that the websites gave users advice to avoid being detected by law enforcement officials.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Operation Grayskull is one of the “most significant strikes” against online child exploitation networks.

“We’ve not only dismantled dangerous platforms on the dark web, but we’ve also brought key perpetrators to justice and delivered a powerful message: you cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children,” Patel stated.

The Justice Department confirmed that nine individuals were convicted and sentenced in Florida for running the main dark web site that was targeted by Operation Grayskull, while nine individuals were convicted for operating other dark web sites devoted to child sexual abuse material. Additionally, two other individuals died before they were charged for their role in the dark web sites. 

In addition to the convictions in the United States, the Justice Department noted that other individuals were arrested in Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

According to CBS News, Operation Grayskull started in 2020 after law enforcement officials observed an increase in traffic to a dark web site that was suspected of providing child sexual abuse material. An FBI official told CBS News that the dark web sites targeted in Operation Grayskull attracted over 120,000 people, had at least 100,000 website visits in one day, and had millions of files. 

“Even for prosecutors, it is difficult to understand how pervasive this is,” Galeotti told CBS News. “Because it happens on the dark web, people aren’t aware of it. It’s extremely troubling.”