Authorities arrest two dozen suspects for distributing AI-generated CSAM

Law enforcement agencies from 19 countries have arrested 25 suspects for spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The suspects are part of a criminal group whose members are engaged in the distribution of images of minors fully generated by artificial intelligence, Europol says in a press release.

Most of the arrests were made on February 26, 2025, during a global operation called Operation Cumberland, which was led by Danish authorities.

Law enforcement agencies from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom identified 273 suspects. In addition, they arrested 25 suspects, conducted 33 house searches and seized 173 electronic devices.

The main suspect is from Denmark and ran an online platform where he distributed AI-generated child abuse images. Visitors to the platform could access those images after paying a small contribution.

According to Europol, who provided technical and operational support during Operation Cumberland, this was one of the first cases involving AI-generated nude pictures and videos of minors. In addition to making arrests, the operation also aims to deter future incidents.

In the coming days, Europol and national police forces are launching an online campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of using AI for illegal purposes. During that campaign, online messages will be distributed, in addition to other methods such as ‘knock and talk’, messages on social media, and warning letters.

“These artificially generated images are so easily created that they can be produced by individuals with criminal intent, even without substantial technical knowledge. This contributes to the growing prevalence of child sexual abuse material, and as the volume increases, it becomes progressively more challenging for investigators to identify offenders or victims. Law enforcement will need to develop new investigative methods and tools to address these emerging challenges,” says Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director at Europol.