Operation Hellfire: 123 Arrests, 330k Files Seized

7 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Operation Hellfire led to 123 arrests and the seizure of over 330,000 illegal files in Poland, revealing deep online child-abuse networks.

Polish police launched a nationwide sweep that resulted in 123 arrests and the seizure of more than 330,000 illicit files. Operation Hellfire targeted people suspected of producing, sharing and possessing child sexual abuse material.

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Operation Hellfire: a nationwide cybercrime crackdown

The Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime (CBZC) led the two-week operation. Consequently, nearly 500 officers joined the effort. Moreover, provincial and local police units supported the raids. In addition, the Military Gendarmerie assisted the teams. Therefore, law enforcement coordinated across levels.

Officers conducted 175 searches. They seized over 1,500 digital devices. These included hard drives, USB sticks, phones and computers. Consequently, investigators discovered more than 330,000 files depicting sexual abuse of minors. Moreover, the bureau said some materials came from artificial intelligence tools. Therefore, police face new challenges in proving origin and intent.

Authorities charged 95 people with crimes. Judges ordered three-month detention for 47 suspects. In addition, prosecutors froze assets worth about 210,000 PLN. The detainees ranged from 19 to 94 years old. However, courts in Warsaw applied preventive measures for some accused.

Key arrests and legal context

Investigators arrested a school educator who filmed and photographed children. Consequently, the suspect faces pretrial detention. Moreover, police detained a man accused of grooming minors via a popular messenger. The court also jailed him temporarily. In another case, cross-border cooperation helped detain a 19-year-old. He allegedly recorded pornographic material involving his underage half-sister. Therefore, prosecutors emphasized international links.

Prosecutors in Warsaw handled several leads. They charged three people under Poland’s penal code. Article 202 § 3 criminalizes producing or sharing sexual material involving minors. It carries up to 15 years in prison. Article 202 § 4a punishes possession or accessing such material. It carries up to five years in prison. In addition, investigators still analyze evidence obtained from devices.

The operation forms part of a broader multi-year campaign. CBZC named earlier actions ANASTAZJA, BARBOSSA and GAME OVER. Consequently, these campaigns led to almost 580 men and women charged. Moreover, authorities seized over three million illicit files across those operations. Therefore, the state treats online child sexual exploitation as a priority.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: Poland enforces strict laws on child sexual abuse material. If police contact you, seek a lawyer. Note that Polish institutions use acronyms that may confuse newcomers. For example, ZUS means the social insurance office, NFZ runs public health insurance, a mandat is a fine, and PESEL is your national ID number. In addition, police often coordinate with EU and US agencies on online investigations. Therefore, keep devices secure and follow local reporting channels if you suspect abuse.

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