Madrid, 6 June 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Spanish police have dismantled a global child sexual abuse network, resulting in 20 arrests across Europe and the Americas, authorities said on Friday.

The national Spanish police agency said seven suspects were arrested across the country in coordination with the Interpol and Europol law enforcement agencies.

An additional 13 individuals were taken into custody in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, Italy and Bulgaria, the Spanish police said.

Among those arrested is a schoolteacher in Seville and a nurse from the province of Barcelona, both of whom were said to have had regular contact with minors.

Investigators allege the nurse paid for images depicting the abuse of girls from Eastern Europe.

Authorities said 68 more suspects in 28 countries remain under investigation.

The suspects are accused of exchanging and distributing child sexual abuse material via instant messaging groups.

During searches, investigators seized six computers, 21 mobile phones and a range of storage and electronic devices.

The investigation began in Spain through cyber patrols by specialized police units, which identified online groups dedicated solely to the sharing of abuse imagery, police said.

MIA file photo