A major Interpol operation across nine Latin American countries led to 60 arrests for child sexual abuse and the rescue of 65 minor victims.

LYON: Law enforcement arrested 60 people suspected of sexually abusing children in a major Interpol operation across Latin America. The international police agency announced the results of the operation on Thursday.

The operation was conducted across nine countries between February 2025 and January 2026. It also led to the identification and rescue of 65 victims, all of whom were minors.

Those arrested included a mother who abused her own children. Another individual had impersonated a celebrity online to target victims.

Interpol stated some victims had appeared in databases of child sexual abuse material for over a decade without being identified. Most victims were between five and 13 years old at the time of the abuse.

Approximately 80% of the rescued victims are girls. The alleged perpetrators had varying connections to their victims, including family members, friends, neighbours, and educators.

Online predators and foreign travellers were also among those arrested. In the Dominican Republic, two children aged 10 and 13 were allegedly abused by their mother and a transnational sex offender living with them.

Both suspects in that case were arrested. A suspect in Costa Rica impersonated a celebrity online before using grooming and sextortion to control their victim.

The operation involved Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. Participating countries are still searching for 45 additional child sexual abuse suspects believed to be within their borders.

 The Sun Malaysia