In Chile, a 34-year-old security guard was suspected of using online spaces to target and exploit children, leveraging access to social media to harass and coerce minors into producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).   Following the discovery of these alleged crimes, Chile’s Investigative Police (Policía de Investigaciones de Chile, PDI) launched Operation Mantarraya with support from Our Rescue to identify and apprehend the…

When the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force launched Operation Frost Byte in December 2025, Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Estie played a critical role in supporting investigators as they executed search warrants connected to multiple child exploitation cases.  Estie is an Our Rescue-Sponsored ESD K9, specially trained…

In Chile, a nine-year-old girl was identified in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) files during a police investigation, setting in motion a coordinated police response in Santiago’s Metropolitan Region to rescue her. On November 2025, the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) launched Operation Hope with coordinated support from the Our Rescue…

**Alias used to protect survivor’s identity.   At just 15 years old,**Ploy, a young girl from rural Northeast Thailand, left school to help support her grandmother after years of financial hardship. Raised by her grandmother after her parents separated, Ploy felt a deep responsibility from a young age to help provide for her household.  An older acquaintance from her village…

When investigators with the Oklahoma ICAC Task Force enter a search scene, time matters. Evidence can be hidden inside walls, tucked into furniture, concealed in vehicles, or deliberately disguised to avoid detection. In these moments, human search alone isn’t always enough. That’s where K9 Arwen comes in.  Arwen is an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 sponsored…

During the week of December 8, 2025, Our Rescue supported the Malta Police Force Cyber Crime Unit as they carried out an operation targeting perpetrators of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), following referrals from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).  The operation focused on identifying and disrupting online exploitation activity. As part of…

January is recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to strengthen awareness, expand education, and encourage collective action to address human trafficking before it occurs. This month, Our Rescue is joining the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign as an official partner, aligning efforts to support prevention-focused,…

This January 11, for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Our Rescue hosted a free webinar titled “The Digital White Van,” with experts from DHS’s Blue Campaign, Know2Protect, Yahoo Security Engineers, SEARCH and Our Rescue, including a survivor of sex trafficking. January 11th reminds…

Human trafficking prevention month takes place every January and focuses on raising awareness, educating the public, and calling communities to action in preventing human trafficking in all its forms. In 2010, the President of the United States formally dedicated January as a national awareness month, calling on individuals, communities, businesses,…

Every investigator has cases they’ll never forget, and for John Trenary, that landmark case involved someone he describes as “the most insidious he’s ever encountered” during his years as a cyber crime detective with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. The suspect, John…

The online world your children explore every day is not a playground, it’s a landscape of evolving threats. Just six months into 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) released data showing a significant increase in reports related to online enticement, financial sextortion, AI-enabled exploitation, and child sex trafficking.  Importantly, NCMEC has noted…

When we think about terrorism, we picture threats aimed at political ideologies or mass casualty attacks. But a new extremist threat is emerging, and it is aimed at our children with the intent to exploit.  This threat is a group called 764, a decentralized terrorist child exploitation network that U.S. law enforcement has described as a highest-priority terrorism threat. Unlike other terrorist networks, 764 does not target…

On Giving Tuesday, our community of donors stepped up to help make something critical possible: coordinated Interstate Justice Coalition (IJC) operations designed to strengthen cross-jurisdictional collaboration and improve survivor-centered response. IJC is a unique partnership comprised of Our Rescue, Skull Games Solutions, We Fight Monsters, and Operation Light Shine that unifies each organization’s specialized capabilities to support law enforcement, survivor care agencies, and communities within the United States in the…

Before sunrise on November 19, 2025, a team of law enforcement personnel moved through a residence in Bangkok to arrest a man suspected of possessing and distributing thousands of images and videos showing real children being sexually abused and circulating them online. Authorities knew they needed to act quickly to stop it and protect the real children…

In the summer of 2025, multiple complex investigations involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and hidden surveillance devices unfolded across Wisconsin. Each case involved diligent investigative work and interagency cooperation, including crucial support from Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Maui working alongside local and federal partners.  Madison Rental Home Hidden Camera Investigation  In late July 2025, police in Madison, Wisconsin…

**The data showcased here represents partial-year figures and should be considered preliminary. Final totals will be confirmed and released in the 2025 Annual Report.  As we begin reflecting on 2025, one message stands out across every region and every program: lasting change happens when organizations and partners link arms and move together.   This year, Our…

Before dawn in southern Lima, coordinated teams moved quietly through the districts. Buses carrying dozens of Peruvian National Police officers arrived at their staging points for a critical operation, with logistical support provided by Our Rescue. What unfolded over the next several hours would interrupt an ongoing exploitation scheme linked to a local hotel—one in…

In Thailand, a 24-year-old man was allegedly involved in sexual assault of a 9-year-old child and the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). To address this, a coordinated effort called Operation Barber was launched in collaboration with Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau’s Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (CCIB TICAC), Our Rescue, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) officials, and local…

In Romania, a criminal network was suspected of human trafficking, pimping, and a range of other serious offenses, harming countless individuals. The group is believed to have exploited vulnerable individuals while profiting from high-risk drug trafficking, money laundering, and more. Once the full scope of the network became clear, authorities, with…

A Peruvian male was allegedly creating and sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across multiple social media platforms. As authorities began examining the activity linked to these online accounts, investigators identified the individual behind the content. What they uncovered next suggested that the sexual exploitation was not just limited to the digital environment, but it was happening inside the suspect’s own home.  Investigators determined that three children…

This November, Our Rescue joined leaders from across the private passenger transportation sector at Mobilize, The Transportation Alliance’s annual conference in Las Vegas.   What many don’t realize is how deeply intertwined trafficking can be with transportation. In the United States, a 2023 report from the Human Trafficking Institute found that private vehicles accounted…

In North Dakota, a case that began several years ago finally reached its conclusion this week. A former school principal, someone who families once trusted to guide and protect their children, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for the abuse of a child.  The details that emerged during the investigation…

The Alarming Rise of AI-Generated Child Abuse Material Artificial intelligence has transformed countless industries, but criminals now exploit AI technology to create devastating new forms of child sexual abuse. In comparison to traditional CSAM, AI CSAM are sexually explicit images of children, created all or in part by Artificial Intelligence.

While many traffickers may have historically relied on in-person recruitment at places like bus stations, malls, and vulnerable neighborhoods, the digital age has radically expanded their toolkit with alarming statistics revealing that more and more  human trafficking cases started online. Recent data shows that…

When most parents picture online predators, they imagine shadowy figures lurking in chat rooms, deceiving children about their age and identity. This perception, while understandable, is dangerously inaccurate. The reality is far more sophisticated and psychologically complex than the “stranger danger” narrative suggests. Understanding the true psychology behind online predators…

In Ecuador, a 16-year-old Venezuelan minor was allegedly being sex trafficked and exploited. The case began when local authorities received a troubling missing minor report and possible child exploitation through the 911 call center in Guayaquil.  That urgent reality set a multi-agency response into motion on October 25. The Our Rescue team in Ecuador supported Operation CODIGO RESCATE 318 alongside the Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) Anti-Trafficking Unit (UNAT) and…

This year, Our Rescue had the opportunity to help bring a survivor-centered conversation on human trafficking to one of the world’s most influential gatherings of emerging leaders: the One Young World 2025 Summit. More than 2,000 young changemakers from over 190 countries came together in Munich, Germany to exchange ideas and solutions to…

A single detective sits before a sea of computer screens and media servers, surrounded by stacks of case files and hard drives, all while chipping away at a backlog that will take months—if not years—to clear. Each drive holds horrific digital evidence of child exploitation. The thousands of files represent…

This holiday season, children should be safe.   Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 U.S. states.   In 2024, the CyberTipline received 20.5 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation.  To combat these crimes and fuel the mission during this crucial season of giving, Our Rescue is launching Operation Giving Tree, offering you a chance to directly strengthen the fight…

Joint Operation Locates Brothels and Survivors in Athens On Thursday, November 6, the Sub-Directorate for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Goods of the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime carried out a series of operations across multiple areas in Athens, Greece. The purpose was to locate individuals who may be survivors of human trafficking and to shut down illegal brothels where they were being exploited.   Throughout…

This Giving Tuesday, every dollar you give to Our Rescue will be doubled, helping to rescue and empower more survivors, and bring both awareness and change to stop the crisis of sex trafficking and child exploitation of our most vulnerable populations around the world.  Giving Tuesday is a global day…

This Give to the Max Day every dollar you give to Our Rescue will be doubled, helping to rescue and empower more survivors, and bring both awareness and change to stop the crisis of sex trafficking and child exploitation of our most vulnerable populations around…

Did you know giving can be a tax benefit?   As the year comes to a close, many supporters choose to make contributions that not only strengthen the fight against sex trafficking and child exploitation but may also offer tax advantages. Because Our Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations made before December 31 may…

In two separate cases in South Georgia, law enforcement agencies utilized digital forensic equipment donated by Our Rescue to investigate and arrest men accused of sexual crimes against minors.   The first case involved a former teacher and coach in the Lowndes County School System. Earlier this year, the…

Last Friday, November 14, Our Rescue celebrated a landmark moment: sponsoring our largest-ever graduation class of Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9s with 14 new partnerships. Since our first ESD K9 was deployed back in 2017, we have seen the immense impact these incredible dogs have in the fight against child sexual exploitation. In fact, in 2025, our ESD K9s have achieved an…

Operation Global Impact (OGI) 2025 was a groundbreaking international effort, bringing together law enforcement agencies and Our Rescue teams across three regions to tackle sex trafficking and child exploitation. In October, the operation concluded, and the final numbers are now in:  338 survivors rescued, including 74 children  243 individuals arrested,…

“For me, everything is timing,” said Agent Laurel Sexton of the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force.  For investigators working sex trafficking and child exploitation cases, every second is critical, especially when children are waiting to be found and offenders are walking free. The reality is that many cases hinge on…

The fight against online child sexual exploitation is evolving rapidly. Derek Benner, CEO of Our Rescue, sat down with Mike Prado, leader of the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3), to discuss technology, law enforcement, and prevention strategies.  Derek Benner: Mike, you’re in your role, you’re not only looking ahead down…

Hear directly from the men and women dedicating their lives to protecting the vulnerable  At Our Rescue, we proudly empower and support the heroic work of law enforcement both domestically and internationally.  Across the U.S., digital forensic units and police agencies play a critical role in the fight against child…

Eight years ago, Suzie’s life changed forever. What began as a relationship with someone she thought cared for her, soon turned into manipulation and control.  “I was young and naïve,” Suzie said. “This guy really liked me and wanted to know everything about me. Little did I know, he was…

Operation Global Impact (OGI) 2025 continues to make remarkable progress across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, with 212 arrests, 140 adults rescued, and 69 children rescued in less than three months. Thanks to the dedication of our in-country teams and your ongoing support, we are helping law enforcement bring traffickers…

Our Rescue-sponsored Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Enzo graduated from the Jordan Detection K9 Program in June 2025 and immediately went to work with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois. Within weeks, K9 Enzo and his handler Detective Alexis Sciarrone assisted in major child exploitation investigations, helping uncover hidden devices…

The Digital Evolution of Exploitation Human Sex Trafficking and online exploitation has evolved dramatically for consumers and criminals alike. And for those working in the fight against exploitation, understanding how technology can both enable predators as well as stopping predators is crucial for developing effective countermeasures. According to the…

On October 8, 2025, Our Rescue was on the ground with Kosovo law enforcement in a targeted operation to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This carefully coordinated effort spanned three separate locations and resulted in the arrest of three individuals responsible for distributing the sexually exploitive…

A friendly, lap-loving Lab might not look like a cutting-edge crime-fighter—but don’t be fooled. Behind the wagging tail and soft eyes is a powerful partner in the fight against child exploitation and trafficking.  Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9s are expertly trained police dogs that use their incredible sense of smell…

At the busy Nepal/India border, police officers stand as the first line of defense, working to recognize and protect women and children who may be embarking into situations of sex trafficking or exploitation. For many, the risk of trafficking or exploitation is real, driving the urgent need for safe refuge…

Operation Global Impact 2025 (OGI) Update from Latin America   Operation Global Impact 2025 has been a tremendous success in Latin America, with 84 arrests and 48 minors rescued in less than three months. Our teams on the ground continue working tirelessly to put your donations to work in the field—supporting…

A powerful U.S. partnership in Memphis is turning ashes into hope as a new safe home is built where survivors and their children can begin again.   Earlier this year, Our Rescue joined We Fight Monsters in a partnership to help raise a new shelter home for survivors of trafficking and…

When Our Rescue CEO Derek Benner sat down with Mike Prado, Deputy Assistant Director of Homeland Security Investigations’ Cyber Crimes Center, or C3, their conversation marked more than a reunion. The two have been allies in the fight against child exploitation for more than a decade, first as colleagues at…

BREAKING: A 32-year-old man in Thailand was suspected of sexually exploiting two children, ages 9 and 12 years old. The man was allegedly recording child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his mobile phone. On the morning of October 8, law enforcement and the Our Rescue team set plans in motion…

Within two days, Our Rescue personnel supported two major operations alongside the Romanian National Police, resulting in the dismantling of organized crime groups and the rescue of multiple survivors.  On September 30, authorities carried out a targeted action in Southern Romania. This operation led to 5 arrests and the rescue…

Authorities in York County, Pennsylvania, say 22-year-old Luke Teipel collected dozens of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) files— some real, and others generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Luke is now facing 33 felony counts of possession of CSAM.  This is the first case of its kind in…

In Ecuador, a 17-year-old girl was missing from her hometown after she was falsely promised a job by suspicious men. What seemed like an opportunity quickly became a trap, and she was forced into sexual exploitation. Her case sparked an investigation that would lead to the rescue of two teenage…

The Digital Predator Revolution: When Artificial Intelligence Becomes a Weapon The digital landscape has fundamentally shifted, and criminals now wield artificial intelligence (AI) as their newest weapon against vulnerable children and families. Within AI crimes,  AI sextortion scam represents one of the most insidious forms of online exploitation, where cybercriminals…

The digital age has transformed childhood, bringing unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection. However, this same technology has created new pathways for predators to exploit vulnerable children. Online grooming has emerged as an easy gateway for child sexual exploitation, with devastating consequences that extend far beyond the digital realm.

What is ICAC? The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program represents one of the most comprehensive law enforcement initiatives in the United States, specifically designed to combat online child exploitation and internet crimes targeting minors. This national network coordinates efforts between federal agencies, state authorities, and local law…

If there’s one thing I’ve witnessed over the years during my work for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and now at my current role as CEO of Our Rescue, it’s the realization that the people who dedicate their lives to fighting child sexual exploitation are real life heroes.  Among…

“If I can bring help to even one person to understand what’s happening, to see the signs, to know how to act, that’s enough,” said Nick Nanton, Emmy Award-Winning Director. “Even if it’s just one parent, one teacher, one community member who can make a difference, that’s why…

A new report by the 2025 Freedom Collaborative warns that perpetrators of human trafficking are pushing into new territory, funneling victims from East Africa and Horn of Africa into Southeast Asia, including the countries of Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand. Ethiopia is also emerging as a key…

Operation Global Impact 2025 is underway and multiple law enforcement actions have already taken place in the Latin America and Asia regions, with many more to come.  In total, 33 law enforcement actions have been carried out since Operation Global Impact 2025 began in August. The results? 47 suspects have…