FBI rescues 109 children, arrests 244 rapists in Texas

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation reported a decisive special operation against online child sexual exploitation: 244 criminals were arrested, 109 minors were rescued, many of whom were not previously considered missing.

Operation Soteria Shield, which continued in April 2025, brought together more than 70 federal, state, local and private partners — including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Texas law enforcement and cybercrime experts. The results: 244 arrests, hundreds of charges filed, terabytes of digital evidence that investigators are still analyzing. Among the facts discovered — the production, distribution and storage of child pornography. The North Texas ICAC Task Force, federal prosecutors, and child victim support centers also participated.

Many of the children who were identified were never reported missing—their abuse had never been documented before. Thanks to the coordinated work of cyber experts, it was possible to trace the digital traces of the criminals, break the content distribution circles, and prevent further crimes. In parallel with this operation, raids were also carried out in India, Japan, Cambodia, and the United States against tech support scammers and online exploitation centers.

Operation Soteria Shield became a vivid example of how the synergy of law enforcement and cyber experts can save lives. As the Plano police chief emphasized, “we not only neutralized the criminals, but also restored hope to the children.” The operation is not over: investigators continue to analyze digital evidence to find even more victims and perpetrators.