Interpol announced Thursday that law enforcement agencies across Latin America have arrested 60 individuals suspected of sexually abusing children, following a large-scale operation conducted between February 2025 and January 2026.
The operation spanned nine countries Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama and led to the identification and rescue of 65 minors, all victims of sexual abuse.
Details of the Operation
Interpol reported that some of the rescued children had appeared in databases documenting child sexual abuse material or exploitation for over a decade without having been identified until now. Most victims were between five and 13 years old, with approximately 80 percent being girls.
“The alleged perpetrators had differing levels of connection to their victims, including family members, friends, neighbours, educators, online predators, and foreign travellers,” Interpol said.
Specific cases highlighted by the agency included:
- Dominican Republic: Two children, aged 10 and 13, were reportedly abused by their mother and a “transnational sex offender” living with them; both suspects were arrested.
- Costa Rica: A suspect impersonated a celebrity online and used grooming tactics, sextortion, and threats to control their victim.
Ongoing Efforts
Interpol noted that authorities in the participating countries are still searching for 45 additional suspects believed to be residing within their borders.
The operation underscores the continued international focus on combating child exploitation, particularly in the digital age where offenders use online platforms to target vulnerable children.
Global Implications
The arrests reflect a growing trend in cross-border policing, emphasizing cooperation between law enforcement agencies to identify perpetrators, rescue victims, and dismantle networks facilitating child sexual abuse.
Interpol reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing efforts to protect minors and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
