In a significant international operation coordinated by Europol, two Maltese nationals have been arrested as part of “Operation Stream,” targeting online child sexual exploitation.This extensive investigation led to the dismantling of “KidFlix,” one of the largest platforms for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which had amassed approximately 1.8 million users globally between April 2022 and March 2025.
In February 2025, Maltese authorities received intelligence from Europol identifying two local individuals suspected of purchasing and uploading material on KidFlix.Following thorough investigations, both suspects, aged 27 and 26, were apprehended on 10 March 2025.Searches of their residences resulted in the seizure of electronic devices containing CSAM.One suspect has already appeared in court and admitted to the charges, while legal proceedings for the second individual are forthcoming.
KidFlix was notorious for enabling users to stream and download CSAM.Unlike other platforms, it operated on a token-based system where users could earn tokens by uploading content, verifying video details, or categorizing material.These tokens were then used to access higher-quality videos.Payments were made using cryptocurrencies to obscure transactions.At the time of its shutdown on 11 March 2025, the platform hosted approximately 72,000 videos.
Operation Stream is considered one of Europol’s most extensive operations against online child sexual exploitation.Collaborating with law enforcement agencies from over 35 countries, the operation has led to the identification of nearly 1,400 suspects and the arrest of 79 individuals worldwide.Notably, some of those apprehended were directly involved in the abuse of children, not just the distribution of illicit material.The operation has also resulted in the safeguarding of at least 39 children globally.
Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol, emphasized the gravity of these crimes, stating, “Some try to frame this as merely a technical issue — but it is not. There are real victims behind these crimes, and they are children. As a society, we must act to protect them.”
The arrest of the two Maltese suspects shows how serious and widespread online child abuse is. It also shows how important it is for countries to work together to fight these crimes.
