A coordinated global law enforcement operation led to the January 30, 2025, arrest of two leaders of an extremist online group, CVLT, linked to “The Com” organization. The group, which operates across various online platforms, has been accused of coercing minors into acts of violence, self-harm, and sexual exploitation. Authorities in the U.S. arrested the two individuals, aged 23 and 41, as part of an international crackdown involving agencies like Europol, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and law enforcement in France, the UK, and New Zealand.
The investigation revealed that CVLT members had coerced at least 16 minors worldwide, often targeting vulnerable children with mental health issues or past trauma. Victims were subjected to extreme physical and psychological abuse, including self-mutilation and coerced suicide attempts. CVLT members were also involved in running online forums where these illicit activities were facilitated.
This follows previous arrests of other key members of CVLT, one in French custody and another serving a 50-year sentence for child abuse crimes committed in the U.S.
Europol’s intensified efforts have focused on identifying members of The Com and protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation. Law enforcement has targeted CVLT’s online presence across social media, apps, and gaming platforms, where the group engages in deceptive practices to groom children for abuse. The operation also seeks to dismantle the broader network of extremist child exploitation groups, with Europol facilitating international collaboration between over 100 law enforcement officers in January 2025.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to identify more individuals involved in The Com and CVLT, aiming to bring those responsible for the abuse and manipulation of minors to justice. The law enforcement agencies involved in the operation continue to prioritize safeguarding children while dismantling online networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
