A major international law enforcement operation has again led to the dismantling of a large child sexual abuse network on the dark web. The operation, known as OP Alice, brought together law enforcement authorities, cybersecurity researchers, and technology partners, including CFLW Cyber Strategies from The Hague.
Coordinated by the Bavarian Central Office for the Prosecution of Cybercrime (ZCB), the investigation resulted in the identification of a suspect for whom an international search warrant is issued. The perpetrator was responsible for operating more than 373,000 small dark web marketplaces (known as ‘micro-shops’) distributing illegal child sexual abuse material and stolen credit cards. Another 600 users are also under investigation worldwide.
Detecting patterns across thousands of hidden marketplaces
CFLW Cyber Strategies’ technology and analytical approach were a differentiator in supporting investigators to uncover the network. Patterns across thousands of small and previously unnoticed dark web marketplaces were identified using this approach.
Individually, these micro-shops appeared insignificant and would normally evade detection. By analysing links between these marketplaces and patterns in cryptocurrency transactions, analysts were able to connect fragments of information and reveal a much larger, coordinated network that covered almost half of the dark web.
According to investigators, the entire network has now been taken over and marked with a seizure banner.
“We are proud that another extensive network involved in the exploitation of child sexual abuse material has been dismantled. This case demonstrates what is possible when advanced analysis and international cooperation come together with a clear purpose. Our mission is straightforward: to contribute to a safer world for everyone, and especially to protect those who are most vulnerable.”
International cooperation in cybercrime investigations
OP Alice is a collaboration between several organisations, including the Bavarian Central Office for the Prosecution of Cybercrime (ZCB), the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (BLKA), the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), and Europol. The operation involved 23 countries worldwide – from Canada to Spain to Australia – and was internationally coordinated by Europol.
Thomas Goger, representing the Bavarian authorities, welcomed the breakthrough: “We are pleased to have disrupted this extensive dark web network,” said Goger. “The perpetrator played a central role in a major criminal infrastructure. Dismantling this network marks a significant step forward in several respects: applying cutting-edge law enforcement technologies, prosecuting about 600 offenders and users, and, most importantly, protecting potential future victims.”
Following an earlier success that took down Kidflix
OP Alice comes after a large operation that took down Kidflix in March 2025. Using a similar technology – the Dark Web Monitor programme – and analytical approach, Europol coordinated an operation across 38 countries that led to the arrest of 79 suspects and the seizure of over 3,000 electronic devices.
The investigation raises hopes that, as with KidFlix, the results will extend beyond arrests. Based on previous experience, authorities expect that the evidence gathered may lead to the identification of perpetrators worldwide and, crucially, to the safeguarding of children who were victims of abuse.
A shared mission to advance global cybersecurity in The Hague
Based within Hague Security Delta (HSD), the Netherlands’ digital security cluster, CFLW Cyber Strategies operates in an ecosystem that brings together public institutions, international organisations, research centres, and tech talent. Its proximity to organisations such as Europol, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), and Delft University of Technology promotes close cooperation, which helps ensure that new cybersecurity tools respond to real investigative needs and comply with legal and ethical standards, enabling innovations to move more efficiently from research to practice.
“Co-creation of anti-cybercrime technology with committed end users is essential for developing tools and intelligence capabilities that effectively support the fight against cybercrime,” Van Staalduinen pointed out. “The Hague offers an excellent base for our operations.”
About CFLW Cyber Strategies
CFLW (pronounced see-flow) Cyber Strategies grew out of years of applied research at the intersection of technology, data, and law enforcement. What started as a research initiative evolved into a practical solution for investigators in the fight against cybercrime. Today, the company delivers solutions that support intelligence-led investigations in complex digital environments worldwide.
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