The Trump Department of Justice has announced the shuttering of four dark web child abuse websites and the conviction of 18 men involved in those sites.
In a press release from Wednesday, the DOJ reported the results of “Operation Grayskull” which took down a ring of child sex abusers and the convictions resulted in more than 300 years in prison collectively.
The DOJ noted that the operation “resulted on the dismantling of four dark web sites dedicated to images and videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). To date, the operation has led to the convictions of 18 offenders, including a Minnesota man who was sentenced yesterday to 250 months in prison and lifetime supervised release for his involvement with one of these dark web sites. He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution.”
“Today’s announcement sends a clear warning to those who exploit and abuse children: you will not find safe haven, even on the dark web,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These offenders thought that they could act without consequences, but they were wrong. Thanks to the relentless determination of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners we have exposed these perpetrators for who they are, eliminated their websites and brought justice to countless victims.”
One of the convicted abusers is Thomas Peter Katsampes, 52, of Eagan, Minnesota, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise and conspiracy to distribute child pornography. He was sentenced to 250 months in prison and court supervision for the rest of his life. He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution.
FBI Director Kash Patel added, “This operation represents one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks. We’ve not only dismantled dangerous platforms on the dark web, but we’ve also brought key perpetrators to justice and delivered a powerful message: you cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children.”
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