Chainalysis has led a global operation targeting cryptocurrency activity connected to child sexual abuse networks, generating more than 14,000 investigative leads for authorities.
The multi-day campaign, known as “Operation Lighthouse,” brought together blockchain analysts, crypto exchanges, law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations to identify and trace networks uncovered through blockchain data, Chainalysis announced Tuesday.
The operation was based at the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance in New York and involved international agencies including Europol, the Australian Federal Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the UK’s National Crime Agency.
Law enforcement agencies have increasingly raised concerns about cryptocurrency being used to support these criminal networks. Europol team leader Danny van Althuis said criminals take advantage of payment services, financial systems, social platforms and internet infrastructure, making cooperation across these industries important for detecting and disrupting abuse.
Investigators examined more than 29,000 cryptocurrency addresses and digital identifiers as part of the operation. They also focused on more than 100 forums and online hubs associated with the networks.
Chainalysis said the investigation produced more than 14,000 leads for follow-up investigations and identified suspects in 125 countries. Some of the people flagged were already registered sex offenders.
The effort also received support from several companies and nonprofit groups. Participants included payments company Block and child-protection organization the Internet Watch Foundation.
Gavin Sather, Binance’s senior program manager for anti-child sexual exploitation, said the transparent nature of blockchain transactions can make it harder for criminals to conceal their financial activity over time.
The operation demonstrates how blockchain tracing can be combined with traditional law enforcement investigations to identify financial links and generate leads across international criminal networks.
