Chainalysis has organized a global investigation into cryptocurrency networks suspected of facilitating child sexual abuse, generating more than 14,000 leads for law enforcement agencies.

Known as “Operation Lighthouse,” the multi-day effort brought together blockchain investigators, crypto companies, international authorities and nonprofit organizations to identify and trace criminal networks using blockchain intelligence, Chainalysis said Tuesday.

The operation was conducted from the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance in New York, with participation from agencies including Europol, the Australian Federal Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the UK’s National Crime Agency.

Law enforcement has increasingly warned that digital assets are being used within online child exploitation networks. Europol team leader Danny van Althuis said criminals take advantage of financial services, payment infrastructure, social networks and online platforms, making cooperation between these sectors and authorities crucial for identifying offenders and disrupting their activities.

Investigators reviewed more than 29,000 cryptocurrency addresses and other digital identifiers during the operation. They also examined more than 100 forums and online hubs believed to be connected to the targeted networks.

According to Chainalysis, the effort produced over 14,000 leads for additional investigations and identified individuals across 125 countries. Some of the suspects had previously been registered as sex offenders.

The operation also involved crypto and financial companies, including payments firm Block, as well as nonprofit organizations such as the Internet Watch Foundation.

Gavin Sather, Binance’s senior program manager for anti-child sexual exploitation, said blockchain’s public transaction records can make it increasingly difficult for criminals to conceal their financial trails.

Operation Lighthouse demonstrates how blockchain analytics can provide investigators with financial intelligence that complements traditional law enforcement methods, particularly when criminal networks operate across multiple jurisdictions.