German authorities take down major darknet platform used for child pornography

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German authorities announced on Wednesday the takedown of one of the world’s largest darknet platforms used for streaming child exploitation content, according to Anadoly Agency.

The operation, codenamed "OP Stream," was a coordinated effort involving law enforcement agencies from 38 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European Union member states.

The platform, named “KidFlix,” was seized by Dutch authorities. It had been operating on the darknet, where users were required to register and make payments in cryptocurrencies.

Authorities reported that the platform contained tens of thousands of disturbing images and videos depicting severe child sexual abuse. At the time of its takedown, the platform had more than 1.8 million users globally.

The investigation, led by German officials, was carried out with significant assistance from Europol. It resulted in the identification of 1,393 suspects worldwide, despite the perpetrators’ attempts to conceal their identities. In Germany alone, more than 100 individuals were identified.

A key aspect of the investigation was tracking cryptocurrency payments, which were used by the platform's operators and users to evade detection.

Investigators were able to trace payments even when suspects used mixing services and privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, according to a statement from the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (BLKA) and the Bamberg Public Prosecutor's Office.

The operation, which took place from March 10 to 23, involved extensive searches and the seizure of electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers. The investigation remains ongoing in multiple countries, as law enforcement officials continue to examine seized materials and carry out further searches.