An international law enforcement coalition has shut down “Kidflix,” one of the most prolific platforms for child sexual abuse content, after a sweeping two-year investigation uncovered its widespread use of cryptocurrency to monetize illegal material.
Described by Europol as one of the largest operations of its kind, the platform operated much like a streaming service, allowing its 1.8 million users worldwide to access, upload, and distribute child sexual assault material in exchange for digital tokens. The site ran from April 2022 until its takedown in March 2025.
Authorities revealed that at least 1,275 individuals were directly involved in transacting on the site—either by purchasing abusive content using cryptocurrency or by uploading videos and earning credits. In total, 79 arrests have been made so far, and over 3,000 electronic devices have been confiscated across multiple jurisdictions. Investigators were also able to identify and rescue 39 children who were at immediate risk of further abuse.
According to law enforcement, the structure of the platform—and the anonymity provided by crypto payments—enabled an ecosystem that rewarded content creation and sharing. The platform’s takedown was the result of a coordinated effort by German, Dutch, and British police, along with Europol and other international agencies.
Unveiling the Scope of ‘Kidflix’
Unlike previous dark-net operations, Kidflix demonstrated an unprecedented level of scale and sophistication. Investigators discovered more than 91,000 unique videos on the site, totaling over 6,200 hours of illegal content. On average, 3.5 new videos were uploaded every hour, many of which law enforcement had never encountered before. Each file was offered in low, medium, and high resolutions, with users paying higher prices for larger, higher-quality content—typically through anonymous digital assets.
The international takedown, led by German authorities in Bavaria and supported by over 35 countries, uncovered a vast network of perpetrators and collaborators. In the United Kingdom alone, 63 suspects were identified, resulting in 30 arrests. Globally, nearly 1,400 users were tracked, leading to 79 arrests and the protection of at least 39 children from ongoing abuse.
“The digital dimension has driven a rapid evolution in online child sexual exploitation, offering offenders a borderless platform to contact and groom victims, as well as to create, store, and exchange child sexual abuse material,” said Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.
“Some attempt to frame this as merely a technical or cyber issue—but it is not.”
This case amplifies the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of digital currencies and the necessity for platforms to implement stringent measures against illicit activities. While digital assets were used to fuel these crimes, their traceability proved invaluable in tracking perpetrators and rescuing victims—demonstrating that technology, when paired with coordinated enforcement, can be a powerful tool for justice.
Quick Facts
- Authorities shut down “Kidflix,” a global dark-web site used to distribute child sexual abuse material, in a sweeping two-year investigation.
- The platform operated like a streaming service and relied heavily on cryptocurrency to monetize its content and reward uploads.
- 1,275 users were identified for buying or uploading material; 79 arrests have been made and 39 children rescued globally.
- Investigators say blockchain analytics played a crucial role in tracing crypto payments and dismantling the operation.
