"Today's announcement sends a clear warning to those who exploit and abuse children: you will not find safe haven, even on the dark web," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "These offenders thought that they could act without consequences, but they were wrong. Thanks to the relentless determination of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners we have exposed these perpetrators for who they are, eliminated their websites and brought justice to countless victims."

"This operation represents one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "We've not only dismantled dangerous platforms on the dark web, but we've also brought key perpetrators to justice and delivered a powerful message: you cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children."

"Yesterday's sentencing reaffirms our steadfast commitment to protecting our children, the most vulnerable among us, from those who exploit and harm them through the despicable trade in child sexual abuse material," said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O'Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. "Thomas Peter Katsampes and his co-conspirators ran some of the dark web's most heinous networks, enabling horrific crimes against innocent victims, but Operation Grayskull has shut these sites down and delivered justice. We applaud the FBI and our international partners for their tireless work, and let this be a clear warning: we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone engaged in such atrocities, no matter how they attempt to cover their tracks."

Thomas Peter Katsampes, 52, of Eagan, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise and conspiracy to distribute child pornography on Feb. 27. According to court documents, Katsampes joined a dark web site dedicated to CSAM in 2022, advertised and distributed CSAM over the website, including CSAM depicting prepubescent children, and eventually worked his way up to a staff position on the web site, which, among other things, involved moderating the site, enforcing the site's rules for posting CSAM, and advising the site's users about how to post CSAM.

In addition to Katsampes, eight individuals have been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Florida for their involvement in running the primary site targeted by Operation Grayskull. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Christian Singer-Songwriter Forrest Frank Shares about His Miraculous Healing on Fox & Friends

Texas Pastor Challenges Cohabiting Couples to Marry; Dozens Show Up for Joint Ceremony

UK Will Remove Historical Figures from Currency in Latest Move to Erase National Heritage [Video]

South Dakota Wins Legal Victory against New York Abortion Pill Promoters

Is It Happening? Cuban Regime Makes a Big Announcement

Epic Fury Update: US Refueling Aircraft Crashes over Iraq with No Survivors; Pray for Their Families

CNN's Abby Phillip Apologizes On-Air after Tweet-Correction Prompts Even More Criticism [Video]

TERRORISM & HEROISM: ODU Shooter Supported ISIS, Shouted 'Allahu Akbar', Was Killed by ROTC Students

US Intercepts Possible Iranian Islamic Regime 'Sleeper Assets' Trigger

'As Christ Has Done for Us': Family of Teacher Killed in Prank Offers Mercy to Students

Christian Leaders Help Defeat Colorado Attempt to Legalize 'Women as Commodities'

Trump Appoints Erika Kirk to Air Force Academy Board

'America First Always': President Trump Announces New Refinery Being Built in US; First in 50 Years

Pray: Pam Bondi Reportedly Forced onto Military Base as Threats against Trump Officials Grow

Senator Hawley Introduces the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act

Watch This Shock Voter Fraud Video in California; Then Tell Your Senator to Pass the SAVE America Act

Prayer and Action Alert: Senator Thune to Bring SAVE Act to the Senate Floor Next Week

Prayer Alert: Car Ramming and Shooter at Jewish Synagogue in Michigan-Early Report 'No Victims'

President Trump Posts a Couple Christian, Prophetic Videos on His Truth Social Account

Mount Rushmore's Independence Day Fireworks Are Back