The Directorate for Cybercrime in international actions to combat sexual exploitation adult on the internet.
The Cybercrime Directorate of the Headquarters of the Hellenic Police, participated in two international operational actions, in the framework of strengthening the interstate cooperation for the protection of minors from sexual exploitation in the digital environment.
This is Operation Renewed Hope IV and AP Twins, which are a critical pillar of the global effort to victims, identify perpetrators and directly protect minors in a crime with a highly cross-border and evolving nature.
In particular, from March 2 to 13,the international Operation Renewed Hope IV,coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Cyber Crimes Center,with the participation of international law enforcement authorities and the assistance of the Tim Tebow Foundation. The action was designed to identify and protect victims of online sexual exploitation of minors through international information sharing and cooperation.
Through analysis of digital traces, utilizing OSINT techniques and collaboration with digital platforms, stakeholders were able to identify more than 500- victims worldwide,many of whom were in immediate danger, significantly enhancing the work of identifying and protecting them. A representative of the Cybercrime Directorate participated in this action, enhancing transnational cooperation, information exchange and the adoption of best practices for the protection of minors in the digital space.
Then, from 13 to 24 April 2026, a coordinated operational action of Europol’s Europol Analysis Project “AP Twins” took place at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague, with the aim of identifying minor victims and perpetrators of child sexual exploitation cases. The working group included -34- experts in victim identification from law enforcement authorities from -31- countries worldwide, as well as representatives of Europol and INTERPOL.
During the operational cooperation, participants utilized advanced image, video and data analysis tools, as well as OSINT techniques, using specialized systems such as Europol’s IVAS and INTERPOL’s ICSE database. More than -317- datasets were analysed, resulting in the initial identification of -12- child victims, as well as the generation of -204- operational data concerning possible locations of victims, perpetrators and production of illegal material, which were forwarded to the relevant national authorities for further investigation.
The Hellenic Police with its participation in these actions remains firmly committed to supporting international initiatives and to close cooperation with national and international partners, with the aim of effectively addressing the sexual exploitation of minors and enhancing the safety of minors online.
