Chainalysis-run sting targets child exploitation networks with aid of Binance, Coinbase

A global team of crypto investigators, exchanges and law enforcement agencies teamed up in a multi-day effort organized by Chainalysis to investigate networks of child sex abuse materials revealed through blockchain intelligence, the company said on Tuesday.

"Operation Lighthouse" used the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance in New York as its headquarters and partnered with law enforcement agencies around the world, including Europol, the Australian Federal Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the UK’s National Crime Agency. The use of crypto in such networks has grown and been noted by authorities as an acute problem.

"Perpetrators exploit financial services, payment systems, social media and internet platforms to commit or facilitate these crimes," said Danny van Althuis, Europol team leader, in a statement. "It is therefore essential that these sectors join forces to prevent and combat online child sexual abuse and to identify those who commit, enable or facilitate it."