Chainalysis, Binance, Coinbase lead global crypto CSAM crackdown

Operation Lighthouse, led by Chainalysis with Binance, Coinbase, and law enforcement, flagged 7,700+ suspect accounts and generated 14,000+ leads in a global crackdown on crypto-enabled CSAM networks.

Chainalysis, in partnership with leading crypto exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase, joined forces with global law enforcement agencies to launch Operation Lighthouse. This multi-day initiative targeted networks involved in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and was coordinated at the U.S. National Cyber Forensics & Training Alliance in New York. The operation investigated over 29,000 cryptocurrency addresses and digital identifiers connected to more than 100 CSAM platforms and forums. As a result, Operation Lighthouse generated over 14,000 investigative leads and flagged more than 7,700 suspect accounts spanning 125 countries. Those identified included registered sex offenders and individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. The operation underscores the growing use of cryptocurrencies in illegal activities and highlights the critical need for collaboration between private companies, financial services, and law enforcement to combat online child sexual exploitation.