Chainalysis‑run “Operation Lighthouse” targets child exploitation networks with help from Binance and Coinbase

Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics company, launched “Operation Lighthouse” to combat the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on cryptocurrency platforms. The operation worked closely with law‑enforcement agencies and enlisted the cooperation of major exchanges Binance and Coinbase.

Scope of the operation

The initiative focused on identifying and disrupting networks that use crypto assets to facilitate the illicit trade of CSAM. By tracing blockchain transactions, investigators were able to compile more than 14,000 investigative leads.

Role of exchanges

Both Binance and Coinbase provided assistance to the investigative teams, enabling the mapping of transaction flows and the identification of accounts linked to the illegal activity.

Outcome and next steps

The leads generated by Operation Lighthouse are being handed over to law‑enforcement partners for further action. The collaboration underscores the growing involvement of the crypto industry in addressing serious criminal misuse of blockchain technology.