France arrests 55 in major child exploitation crackdown

(Web Desk): In France, 55 individuals have been arrested for involvement in child sexual exploitation, including a priest, a paramedic, and a music teacher.

According to a report by international news agency AFP, the French organization OFMIN (responsible for preventing violence against minors) stated that the arrests were carried out in 42 departments. The charges include possession, distribution, and regular viewing of child pornography involving children under the age of 10.

OFMIN had previously issued the warrant that led to the 2024 arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in Paris. Durov remains under official investigation by French authorities over illegal content on the popular social media platform.

These arrests followed a 10-month-long investigation and involved individuals aged between 25 and 75. Quentin Bévant, head of OFMIN’s operational unit, told AFP that the accused were exchanging messages on Telegram and were in contact with extremely dangerous individuals convicted of child sexual abuse, some of whom have been imprisoned since last summer.

The large-scale operation began last summer with the arrests of individuals suspected of abusing children and sharing images on Telegram. Legal action is ongoing against all the suspects.