Saving the children: DOJ and FBI terminates four dark web child abuse sites, convicts 18
The Department of Justice announced this week the successful execution of ‘Operation Grayskull,’ which brought down several dark web child abuse sites
by Summer Lane | July 25, 2025
President Trump’s Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have successfully executed a sting operation that led to the arrest and conviction of 18 offenders linked to dark web sites distributing child abuse material.
The DOJ announced the results of “Operation Grayskull” this week. The op successfully dismantled four dark web sites containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to the DOJ.
A total of 18 offenders have been convicted.
“We’ve not only dismantled dangerous platforms on the dark web, but we’ve also brought key perpetrators to justice and delivered a powerful message: you cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement.
Patel said in a further video statement that “many” of the perpetrators had no prior criminal records. “They were people we knew and trusted…they were active in our communities, and around our children. This is why we must stay vigilant,” he said.
The DOJ released the names and residence locations of convicted offenders. Individuals were spread across the United States, ranging from Florida to Nevada.
Further information from the DOJ revealed the harrowing nature of the four websites taken down by the agencies:
“Operation Grayskull resulted in the dismantling of a total of four sites dedicated to images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. These websites were some of the most egregious on the dark web, and they included sections specifically dedicated to infants and toddlers, as well as depictions of violence, sadism, and torture. The websites also contained detailed advice on how to avoid detection by law enforcement – for example, by using sophisticated technologies.”
Further arrests were also made outside the U.S., including the U.K. Germany, and South Africa.
“Today’s announcement sends a clear warning to those who exploit and abuse children: you will not find safe haven, even on the dark web,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the DOJ’s Criminal Division. “These offenders thought that they could act without consequences, but they were wrong.”
Photo: Adobe Stock
