International child abuse site used by 400,000 busted by police

3 May 2021, 10:37 | Updated: 3 May 2021, 16:27

Police said the Boystown platform had 400,000 registered users.
Police said the Boystown platform had 400,000 registered users. Picture: Getty

By Joe Cook

An international task force say they have busted one of the world's largest dark web child abuse sites, used by more than 400,000 registered users, with four arrests made so far.

The platform - known as Boystown - focused on the sexual abuse of children, with images and video seized to help identify and rescue potential victims, EU law enforcement agency Europol said.

Paedophiles used the site to exchange and watch pornography of children and toddlers, most of them boys, from all over the world.

Prosecutors say they found "images of most severe sexual abuse of toddlers" among the photos and video material.

The investigation was led by German police and included investigators from Europol, America, Canada, Australia, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Police have made four arrests and say they are looking to identify victims who may need rescuing.
Police have made four arrests and say they are looking to identify victims who may need rescuing. Picture: PA

Several other chat sites used by child sex offenders were also seized, as Europol warned "online child offender communities on the dark web exhibit considerable resilience in response to law enforcement actions targeting them".

Worryingly, they said child sex offenders have been seen "resurrecting old communities, establishing new communities, and making strong efforts to organise and administer them" after police disrupted previous networks.

German prosecutors said in mid-April three men, one living in Paraguay, were arrested on suspicion of being administrators of the platform.

EU law enforcement agency Europol were one of the authorities involved in disrupting the platform.
EU law enforcement agency Europol was one of the authorities involved in disrupting the platform. Picture: PA

The three main suspects were a 40-year-old man from Paderborn, a 49-year-old man from Munich and a 58-year-old man from northern Germany who had been living in Paraguay for many years, the prosecutors' statement said.

They allegedly gave advice to members on how to evade law enforcement when using the platform for illegal child pornography.

A fourth suspect, a 64-year-old man from Hamburg, is accused of being one of the most active users of the platform, having allegedly uploaded more than 3,500 posts.

Police said "more arrests and rescues are to be expected globally as police worldwide examine the intelligence".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Technology firms must tackle illegal content on their platforms under new rules, but there are concerns that the changes are too weak.

New Ofcom powers for online safety come into force as charities warn of 'major gaps' in legislation

The rebels on Sunday claimed to have targeted the USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group with missiles and a drone.

US fights off Houthi drone attacks on aircraft carrier after Trump ramps up strikes on Yemen

Jack Draper of Great Britain celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark to win the Men's Singles Final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025

Britain’s Jack Draper wins Indian Wells Open after beating Holger Rune in biggest title of his career

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

20 arrested including government officials after 59 killed in North Macedonia night club fire

Alton Towers' latest attraction, Toxicator, was forced to close on its opening day after a burst pipe caused a leak of brown liquid.

‘Nightmare day’ - New Alton Towers attraction ‘Toxicator’ forced to close on opening day after burst pipe

People sit on deckchairs on brown-coloured dry grass, in the sunshine in Hyde Park in central London

Parts of UK to be hotter than Ibiza and Corfu next week as first day of spring looms

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring the second goal during the Carabao Cup Final match between Liverpool vs Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, London.

Newcastle crowned Carabao Cup winners, taking home first major trophy in 70 years

Kanye West, left, and Kim Kardashian attend the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards on Nov. 6, 2019, in New York.

‘You’re going to have to kill me’ - Kanye leaks chilling texts with Kim after involving daughter in Diddy scandal

Pilot Mike Beaton was sacked for snorting cocaine off a passengers breasts in 2023.

British Airways pilot back in the skies after snorting drugs off woman's breasts before flight

Iran has denied backing Yemen's Houthis after the US launched airstrikes in the country's capital and Donald Trump promised to 'hold Iran accountable' for allegedly supporting the rebels.

Iran denies aiding Houthi rebels after US strikes Yemen and Trump threatens to hold Tehran 'fully accountable'

MP Rosie Duffield claimed she was 'single-handedly bullied' out of the Labour party by 'millionaire barrister' Sir Keir Starmer.

Former Labour MP claims she was 'bullied out of the party' by 'millionaire' Starmer amid 'anti-sleaze' row

Pope Francesco greets the faithful in St. Peter's Square.

Pope facing 'period of trial' as Pontif issues Sunday prayer from hospital

Former advisor to President Putin told LBC ‘Ukrainians will be thankful after we liberate them'.

Putin ally suggests Ukrainians should be 'thankful' nation is being 'bombed to bits'

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

Arrest warrants issued for four people as North Macedonia nightclub fire death toll rises to 59

Newcombe Road, Coventry.

One man dead and another left with 'potentially life-changing facial injuries' following Coventry double stabbing

Streeting suggests Labour discontent is ‘manufactured rebellion’ as he refuses to confirm disability benefits U-turn

Streeting suggests Labour discontent is ‘manufactured rebellion’ as he refuses to confirm disability benefits U-turn