UAE Spearheads Global Crackdown on Online Child Abuse; 188 Held, 165 Rescued
Operation led by Ministry of Interior highlights nation’s strict legal stance against child exploitation.
Staff WriterSep 22, 2025, 6:30 AMThe UAE has led a major international operation against online child sexual exploitation, resulting in 188 arrests across 14 countries and the rescue of 165 children. The coordinated crackdown, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, also dismantled 28 organised criminal networks and disrupted numerous electronic accounts used for such offences.
The operation extended across Russia, Indonesia, Belarus, Serbia, Colombia, Thailand, Nepal, Peru, Brazil, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Ecuador, the Maldives, and Uzbekistan. According to Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the UAE not only coordinated the arrests but also established electronic patrols to monitor cross-border criminal activities and facilitated the exchange of expertise among international police agencies.
Under UAE law, child exploitation and pornography are among the most serious cybercrimes, punishable with severe penalties under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes. The law criminalises the creation, distribution, or possession of child abuse material in any form, prescribing long-term imprisonment and heavy fines. Further, Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on Child Rights (Wadeema’s Law) reinforces the protection of children from neglect, abuse, and exploitation, making it a legal duty of state institutions and individuals alike to report such offences.
The UAE’s proactive role in leading this global operation reflects its strong legal framework and commitment to international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“Sheikh Saif bin Zayed praised the international cooperation and said: ‘Thank you to all our partners for their humanitarian commitment to protecting children worldwide and their dedication to collaborative efforts that strengthen community security.’”
The UAE has consistently emphasised that online child exploitation is not just a criminal matter but also a grave violation of human rights, warranting uncompromising enforcement of national and international laws.
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