Cyber Crime
Europol Cracks Down on International Child Exploitation Network “The Com”
A global law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of two suspected leaders of an extremist online group accused of grooming and coercing minors into acts of violence and sexual exploitation. Authorities in the United States arrested the individuals on January 30 as part of a Europol-coordinated operation targeting “The Com”, an international network linked to child abuse and violent extremism.
The Extremist Group and Its Crimes
The arrested suspects, aged 23 and 41, were allegedly members of “CVLT” (pronounced “cult”), a neo-Nazi-affiliated group known for promoting child exploitation, self-harm, and violent extremism. Investigators revealed that the group has coerced at least 16 minors worldwide into producing abuse material and engaging in self-destructive behavior.
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International Law Enforcement Collaboration
The investigation involved agencies such as:
🔹 US Homeland Security Investigations
🔹 Europol
🔹 French National Police
🔹 UK’s National Crime Agency
🔹 New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs
The arrests follow the detention of two other CVLT members. One has been in French custody since 2022, while another is serving a 50-year sentence in the US for crimes committed in 2020 and 2021.
Abuse and Manipulation of Vulnerable Victims
CVLT members targeted vulnerable children, especially those with mental health issues or past trauma, subjecting them to psychological and physical abuse. Victims were coerced into self-harm, racial self-degradation, and even suicide attempts via livestream.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Online Exploitation
Europol has intensified efforts to identify and dismantle The Com network. In January 2025, Europol hosted a three-day operational meeting with over 100 law enforcement officers worldwide to share intelligence and strengthen investigations.
Authorities continue to track additional members of The Com and CVLT, aiming to safeguard vulnerable children and bring perpetrators to justice.
