A joint operation between the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the shutdown of four websites on the dark web dedicated to child sexual abuse material. This operation, codenamed “Grayskull,” has led to the conviction of 18 men across multiple states.
According to reliable sources within the FBI, these websites attracted over 120,000 members and hosted millions of files containing illicit material. Reports indicate that on a single day, one of these sites received at least 100,000 visits.
The operation has secured convictions of individuals involved in these dark web activities from states including Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, Texas, Washington, Arkansas, Michigan, and Oklahoma. Matthew Galeotti, head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, emphasized the pervasive nature of this issue, stating, “Even for prosecutors, it is difficult to understand how pervasive this is. Because it happens on the dark web, people aren’t aware of it. It’s extremely troubling.”
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet, requiring specific software to access. It is known for its anonymity and is often used for illegal activities. The significance of this operation becomes clear when we consider the statement made by FBI Director Kash Patel, who called it “one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks.”
The DOJ reports that these websites were among the most egregious on the dark web, with sections specifically targeting infants and toddlers, as well as depictions of violence and torture. The evidence suggests that membership in these sites often required payment, moderation duties, or contribution of abusive material.
This raises important questions about the ongoing battle against online child exploitation. As we’ve learned, Operation Grayskull was launched in 2020, demonstrating the long-term commitment required to combat such deeply entrenched criminal networks.