Operation Lighthouse uncovers 7,700 crypto accounts linked to child sexual abuse material

Chainalysis coordinated a multi‑day investigative sprint, dubbed Operation Lighthouse, to map cryptocurrency activity linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) platforms. By analysing blockchain records and partner data, investigators produced 14,300 leads and flagged over 7,700 suspect accounts on exchanges and payment services.

Scope of the investigation

The operation traced 29,120 cryptocurrency addresses and digital identifiers associated with more than 100 CSAM forums, distribution networks and platforms. Leads were shared with eleven cryptocurrency exchanges and payment providers for further action.

Geographic and offender profile

Suspects were identified in 125 countries, demonstrating a broad cross‑border dimension. Sixteen of the flagged accounts were linked to individuals on registered sex‑offender lists.

Private‑sector participation

Major exchanges and crypto firms—including Binance, Coinbase and Block—joined law‑enforcement agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the U.K. National Crime Agency and Europol. The Internet Watch Foundation also contributed expertise.

Crypto assets involved

Bitcoin remained the most common asset across the identified CSAM services, while some operators increasingly used the privacy‑focused coin Monero to obscure proceeds. Instant exchangers without know‑your‑customer (KYC) checks were also noted as part of laundering pathways.

Implications for compliance

Chainalysis highlighted that public blockchain transparency can enable rapid response, but also noted gaps when illicit funds move through intermediary wallets before reaching a centralized platform. Ongoing monitoring standards are tightening, with nearly half of new crypto businesses in 2026 meeting the strictest alerting thresholds.

Next steps

Information from Operation Lighthouse will continue to flow through investigative channels, supporting account‑level disruptions, legal requests and potential prosecutions.