Gardaí Identify 55 Child Victims in Expanding Online Sexual Abuse Investigation

A nationwide investigation by specialist Garda cybercrime units has identified 55 children as victims of online sexual abuse, following a sweeping forensic review of more than 30,000 explicit videos and images.

Authorities say online threats targeting minors are growing rapidly in “scale and sophistication,” posing unprecedented challenges for law enforcement.

The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB)’s specialist victim identification team has uploaded the reviewed material to Interpol’s International Child Sexual Exploitation database, including nearly 900 files involving previously unidentified victims.

Gardaí warned that offenders are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate hyper-realistic deepfake images and videos, which are then deployed to manipulate, blackmail, or extort children.

Evolving Threats and Emerging Trends

Investigators have highlighted a sharp rise in financial sexual extortion, where perpetrators coerce minors into sharing intimate material before demanding money to prevent its release.

More disturbingly, Gardaí report a growing trend of sadistic online enticement, with organised groups exploiting children through mainstream social media and messaging platforms.

“These cases reveal the dark reality of online exploitation—children are being targeted, manipulated, and abused through platforms that most families use daily,” a Garda spokesperson said.

In one case, three Irish children were found to be victims of online sexual exploitation by a suspect located abroad. Another case in August 2024 led to a cross-border breakthrough: material recovered from an Irish suspect’s device was shared with German law enforcement, resulting in the identification and rescue of two children in Germany and the arrest of their father for sexual abuse and exploitation.

Global Reach of Investigations

Since July 2024, the GNCCB has been systematically analysing digital evidence seized from electronic devices in Ireland and overseas. Through this process, Gardaí have identified 40 child victims globally, including 16 in Ireland.

A further 52 potential victims have been provisionally identified, with information shared with local, European, and international agencies to support efforts in locating and safeguarding them.

The Online Child Exploitation Unit (OCEU)—operating within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB)—has also safeguarded an additional 39 Irish victims of online child sexual abuse so far this year.

Garda Warning to Parents and Children

Detective Superintendent Michael Mullen of the GNCCB issued a strong public warning about the dangers of unsupervised internet use among minors:

“Children and teenagers with unrestricted online access must understand the very real risk of sexual exploitation and the lifelong harm it can cause,” Mullen said.

“Parents need to recognise that this behaviour is happening on a large and alarming scale.”

He urged young people to avoid engaging with strangers online, refrain from sharing intimate content, and immediately seek help if they experience any unwanted sexual communication.

“If any child or teenager becomes a victim of inappropriate online contact, they should speak to a parent, relative, teacher, or Garda officer without delay. An Garda Síochána is here to listen and to help,” Mullen emphasised.

For parents, he advised open communication and vigilance:

“Talk to your child about their online world. Help them understand the risks, monitor their activity, and make sure they know they can come to you if they need support.”