Two Australian men have been arrested as part of an international operation targeting a criminal network responsible for distributing child abuse images created using artificial intelligence. The 38-year-old man from New South Wales and the 31-year-old man from Queensland were among 25 individuals identified during the investigation into child sexual exploitation.

In November, a Danish citizen was arrested for allegedly producing and monetizing AI-generated child abuse material through an online subscription service. The Australian Federal Police initiated an inquiry into claims that the two Australian men were subscribers to the illicit site. Raids at their residences led to the discovery of child abuse material on their mobile phones and other electronic devices.

Operation Cumberland, led by Danish authorities alongside Europol and law enforcement agencies from 19 countries, represents one of the first cases involving AI-generated child sexual abuse. With an increasing volume of such material being reportedly encountered, AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Kurt Wesche highlighted the challenges in distinguishing between real and fabricated images of abuse.

Regardless of their nature, the distribution of these images remains a criminal offense and a form of child exploitation. A total of 273 suspects have been identified globally, with more arrests expected. In Australia, support is available through Kids Helpline and the Blue Knot Foundation. Internationally, the NSPCC and Napac in the UK, and the Childhelp hotline in the US offer assistance. Child Helplines International provides a directory of child helplines worldwide.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/01/two-australian-men-charged-in-global-investigation-ai-made-child-abuse-images-ntwnfb