In Brazil, 108 arrested red-handed in mega-operation against child abuse

Civil police agents in 17 states imprisoned 108 people this monday (Oct. 20) during mega-operation Light of Childhood, against child abuse. The arrests were carried out in flagrante delicto, as a result of the 92 search and seizure orders served in 24 states and the Federal District.

The individuals are suspected of disseminated child pornography online. In some cases, the perpetrators were also responsible for producing the material.

The crackdown is regarded as one of the world's largest operation against child abuse, and has engaged 1.1 thousand police. The investigation lasted six months. Intelligence directors at the National Public Security Secretariat worked in cooperation with the US Embassy.

*Flavia Albuquerque, São Paulo-based reporter from Agência Brasil, contributed to this article.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira

Updated at 7:30 pm.