Police in Senegal have arrested 14 individuals in a major operation that dismantled a transnational criminal network involved in child exploitation operating between Senegal and France.

The arrests follow a coordinated investigation by Senegalese law enforcement working in collaboration with French authorities to break up what officials described as an organized gang engaged in the sexual exploitation of children across international borders.

Senegalese police announced that the operation targeted key members of the network who had been facilitating child abuse and exploitation, with connections extending to France. The transnational nature of the crimes required close cooperation between law enforcement agencies in both countries.

“This network preyed on the most vulnerable members of our society—our children,” said a spokesperson for Senegal’s national police. “We are committed to pursuing those who commit these heinous crimes and protecting our children from exploitation.”

Details of the investigation remain limited as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue additional suspects who may be connected to the network. Police indicated that the operation involved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated raids at multiple locations.

The suspects are expected to face serious charges related to child exploitation, trafficking, and related offenses under Senegalese law. Authorities have not disclosed the number of victims involved or their ages, citing the sensitivity of ongoing investigations and the need to protect the identities of minors.

Child protection organizations in Senegal have welcomed the arrests, calling them an important step in combating child exploitation but emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and stronger preventive measures.

“While these arrests are significant, they represent just one network,” said a representative from a local child advocacy group. “We must continue to strengthen our systems for protecting children and prosecuting those who harm them.”

International cooperation has become increasingly crucial in combating transnational child exploitation networks that leverage technology and cross-border connections to evade law enforcement. The Senegal-France operation demonstrates the importance of coordinated action across jurisdictions.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as they continue to unravel the full extent of the network’s operations.