NewsLargest pedophile network in Spain dismantled in unprecedented manhunt

Largest pedophile network in Spain dismantled in unprecedented manhunt

Pedophile network shattered. The biggest manhunt in Spain's history. Illustrative image.
Pedophile network shattered. The biggest manhunt in Spain's history. Illustrative image.
Images source: © PAP | KAI FOERSTERLING
ed. ROP

10:52 AM EST, November 12, 2023

The Spanish law enforcement agencies have announced that they've conducted the most extensive manhunt in the country's history to apprehend alleged pedophiles. A record total of 121 individuals were arrested by Saturday afternoon.

As put forth in a statement by the Spanish National Police (Policia Nacional), 118 men and three women were temporarily taken into custody. The detainees include residents from cities like Madrid, Caceres, Alicante, and Almeria.

The investigation has unveiled that among those detained, there are individuals who have exploited children sexually on their properties.

Search operations conducted at suspects' homes

The police were alerted to the network which was disseminating and utilizing pedophilic content after uncovering an internet platform used by the suspects to run their nefarious operations.

By Saturday afternoon, the Spanish police force had conducted searches across 125 buildings throughout the country. The operation resulted in the seizure of 946 pieces of electronic equipment found to contain child pornography.

"Among the confiscated devices are 368 hard drives, 100 DVDs, 114 portable drives, 37 memory cards, and 60 computers," reported the Spanish police.

Related content