Operation against child pornography throughout Italy, raids also in Palermo

Last Updated: October 13, 2024

Operazione contro la pedopornografia in tutta Italia, perquisizioni anche a Palermo

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A large operation against child pornography, coordinated by the police with the support of the postal police, led to the arrest of three people and the denunciation of 29 others. Among the arrested are a law enforcement officer and a prelate, residing respectively in the provinces of Milan, Cagliari, and Benevento. The operation, called “La Croix,” also involved Palermo among the cities where searches were carried out.

The investigations were initiated by the Cyber Security Operational Center of Turin, which identified several users involved in the spread of child pornography on Telegram. Investigators focused on a user who, despite being interested in illicit material, shared information and digital traces obtained from his interactions in small groups, assuming the role of an unlikely “avenger.”

Thanks to the infiltration among the contacts of this user, law enforcement agencies were able to trace the digital data of the other individuals involved, reconstructing the network of illicit exchanges. 33 search warrants were issued, which were executed with the collaboration of the Postal Police sections in Rome, Milan, Naples, Cagliari, Reggio Calabria, Catania, Palermo, Bari, Venice, and Trieste. The searches led to the seizure of electronic devices, email accounts, and social profiles used for the trafficking of child pornography.

The seizure revealed a substantial amount of illicit content stored on phones, tablets, computers, and other devices, now subject to further analysis. Among the suspects are people of various ages and professions, including students, workers, and professionals.