When the global community unites behind a single, critical mission, the results can be life-changing. Recently, that unity was put on full display during Operation Renewed Hope IV—the largest global effort to date dedicated to identifying victims of child sexual exploitation.
This historic operation brought together the world’s most elite specialists in victim identification. Experts from Interpol, Europol, and dozens of partnering countries across the globe pooled their resources, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to track down those who prey on the vulnerable and to bring exploited children into safety.
The Impact: Lives Changed and Saved
The sheer scale of this collaboration yielded incredible results. During the operation, investigators achieved a monumental breakthrough:
- 502 children were successfully identified.
- 75 children have already been physically safeguarded.
- Child Exploitation Investigations Unit (CEIU): A powerful tool in the fight against the sexual exploitation of children and the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material. CEIU personnel use sophisticated investigative techniques to target and identify violators operating on the internet and the darknet.
- Computer Forensics Unit: Operates a state-of-the-art laboratory specializing in digital evidence recovery, essential for extracting crucial leads in complex global cases.
- Cyber Crimes Unit: Focuses on transnational criminal organizations, utilizing emerging technologies to detect, disrupt, and deanonymize cybercriminals.
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tip Line: Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or submit a tip online at ice.gov/tips.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline: Call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or submit a report online at cybertipline.com.
While 75 rescues is a massive victory, the work doesn't stop here. Investigators are actively pursuing the leads generated by this operation, and we fully expect the number of safeguarded children to continue rising in the days and weeks to come.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Operations of this magnitude require immense resources, coordination, and backing. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our giving family; your generosity and commitment are exactly what makes operations like Renewed Hope IV possible.
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the partners and law enforcement professionals involved. Thank you for continually showing up, for doing the difficult work, and for fighting relentlessly to find these children.
Together, we are making a difference. Together, we are bringing them home.
About Homeland Security Investigations - Cyber Crimes Center (C3)
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Center (C3) plays a vital role in combating cross-border criminal activity facilitated by the internet. C3 serves as a central coordination hub for highly technical assets dedicated to investigating cyber-related crimes and providing critical forensic, intelligence, and investigative support worldwide.
Key components of C3 include:
By keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology and partnering with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, C3 helps drive global investigations like Operation Renewed Hope IV to success.
Report Suspected Child Exploitation
If you suspect child exploitation or cybercrime, your report could save a life. You can contact the following organizations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
