The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has identified nearly 5,800 victims of child sexual abuse in just seven months, as authorities warn of a growing threat from online sexual exploitation and sextortion.
INTERPOL said the victims were identified through its international efforts to detect and protect children subjected to sexual abuse, highlighting the scale of abuse taking place both online and offline.
The organisation also raised concern over the increasing number of sextortion cases, in which criminals threaten victims with the release of intimate images or videos unless they provide money, more material or comply with other demands.
The warning comes amid growing concern over the use of social media and digital platforms by offenders to target children and young people.
Sextortion has become a particularly serious online threat because perpetrators can use deception, manipulation and threats to exploit victims remotely, often making it difficult for families and law-enforcement agencies to identify those responsible.
INTERPOL’s findings underline the increasingly international nature of child sexual exploitation, with offenders, victims and digital evidence often located across different countries.
The organisation has urged stronger international cooperation and information-sharing between law-enforcement agencies to help identify victims, track offenders and remove abusive material from the internet.
Child protection experts have also called for greater awareness among parents, schools and young people about the risks associated with online interactions and the importance of reporting suspected abuse.
The latest figures underscore the continuing challenge facing law-enforcement agencies as criminals increasingly exploit digital technology to target vulnerable children and young people.
